Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, today announced that it had appointed David Batchelor to be Head of its International Division, effective immediately. The business, which comprises all of Marsh’s operations outside North America, includes the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA); Latin America & Caribbean; Asia; and Pacific regions.

Mr Batchelor, who will relocate to New York from London early next year, will remain CEO of Marsh’s EMEA region through 2011. He will report to Peter Zaffino, President & CEO of Marsh, Inc.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Zaffino said: “Marsh’s International Division comprises an exciting, dynamic and diverse range of countries. With his deep expertise and broad global experience, I am delighted to have a leader such as David to guide our International business into a new era. With over 30 years in insurance and risk management consulting, David is respected and trusted by colleagues, clients and industry peers alike.”

Mr Batchelor added: “Companies around the world are facing an increasingly broad and interconnected range of risks. With the tremendous strength that comes from the skills of our people, the depth of our client base and the scope of our geographic footprint, I look forward to leading our International team as we meet our clients’ evolving needs.”

Mr Batchelor began his career in 1976 with Bowring, which was acquired by Marsh & McLennan Companies in 1980. Since then, he held a variety of senior positions in the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Bermuda and Europe before returning to Hong Kong to lead Marsh's operations in Asia and was appointed CEO of the broader Asia-Pacific region in 2006. He took up his most recent responsibilities as CEO of Marsh's EMEA region in April 2008.