Garzon succeeds Howard Laidlaw who is retiring after 46 years in the industry
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 29, 2021: McLarens, a leading global insurance services provider, has appointed Leonardo (Leo) Garzon as its new Managing Director for Latin America, effective immediately. Leo will take the lead on strategic growth, client services and business development in the region, overseeing a network of 16 offices and affiliates operating across North, Central and South America. He succeeds Howard Laidlaw, who after 14 successful years with McLarens is retiring from the industry.
Operating from McLarens’ Miami, Florida office, Leo will serve clients throughout the US, Caribbean, and Latin America. A native of Colombia, he is a recognized leader within the region, holding 25 years of experience in forensic engineering, construction vulnerabilities, and pre-loss and post-loss consulting. His extensive experience in the provision of risk and loss adjusting services includes advising on high value disputes within the energy, oil, transportation, commercial and residential property sectors. Leo joins from J.S. HELD, and previously served in executive roles with Desimone Consulting Engineers, LIU, and Thornton Tomasetti. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from National University of Colombia and M.S. in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, NY.
After becoming a loss adjuster in 1974, Howard Laidlaw, a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters, has enjoyed a successful career managing complex claim assignments. His experience extends to various lines of business, including management of CAT teams, and has spanned across 34 countries, with the last 14 years serving as Managing Director of McLarens Latin America. Howard will maintain a consultancy role with the firm on special projects while enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
Gary Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLarens: “I am excited to welcome Leo Garzon as our new Managing Director in Latin America. His substantial industry experience, technical expertise and leadership credentials means he is well placed to lead McLarens LATAM into the future. I have tremendous confidence in Leo’s ability to foster innovation, quality, and the development of our team across the region.
On behalf of McLarens, I’d also like to thank Howard for his invaluable leadership in Latin America and his commitment to McLarens’ core values of technical excellence, client focus and respect for his LATAM team. He has helped position the business for sustainable future growth in the region and his ability to attract and retain the best talent will stand as an enduring testament to his concern and care for McLarens’ continued success.”
Leo Garzon, Managing Director, Latin America, McLarens: “I am honored to join McLarens as the Managing Director for Latin America and I am proud to join a team of professionals with deep technical expertise, complex claims experience, and extensive knowledge of their local markets. I look forward to further strengthening our Latin America team and expanding our service capabilities to deliver the best experience possible to our clients in the region and beyond.”
McLarens Appoints Leonardo Garzon to Lead its Business in Latin America
