Global loss adjuster McLarens has announced that Gary Brown is to be appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on 1 April 2016, the beginning of the next fiscal year. Currently Chief Operating Officer (COO), Brown has a loss adjusting background with 29 years experience in handling the full spectrum of commercial property, aerospace and specie claims across all classes. He takes the reins from Vern Chalfant who, after 25 years with the business, will become Executive Chairman.
Brown has risen through the ranks since joining the firm in 1987. In 1988 Gary spent a year in Jamaica where he became actively involved in major commercial and industrial property losses. In 1989 Brown transferred to the New York office where he developed a portfolio of business specialising in Jewellers Block and other special risk losses, as well as hospitality and retail exposures, before transferring to Los Angeles in 1991 to concentrate on property, special risk and aerospace losses. Gary became Manager of the Los Angeles Branch in 1996, a member of the firm’s Board in 1998, Regional Director of North America in 2004 and COO in 2014.
As CEO Brown will be responsible for all McLarens regions, including the McLarens Aviation, Agrical and Norcross brands. As Executive Chairman, Chalfant will continue to advise on strategy, acquisitions and recruiting.
The specialist adjuster has enjoyed consistent organic growth, having opened 21 new offices across the globe in the past two years. In recent years the business has also expanded its technical offering, entering into the aviation and agricultural markets, via mergers with Airclaims (now McLarens Aviation) and Agrical, in addition to entering the middle market segment of the business in the USA with a new brand, Norcross.
Gary Brown, CEO, commented: “I’m delighted to be taking the helm of McLarens. We have an exceptional team of claims professionals, a stable footprint for growth and a proposition that resonates with clients globally. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues around the world to build on that success.”
Vern Chalfant, Executive Chairman, added: “Gary has been instrumental in the growth and success of McLarens over the years and for those who know the business, his appointment as CEO will come as no surprise. Throughout his career at McLarens he has proven himself a natural leader and I am delighted that the time has come for him to take another step and lead this business into its next stage of life. “
Press Release: Gary Brown Appointed CEO of McLarens
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