McLarens operations head promoted to chief exec

Loss adjuster McLarens has promoted chief operating officer Gary Brown to the role of chief executive.

He will take on the role from 1 April 2016.

As a result, he will replace Vern Chalfant, who will become executive chairman.

In his new role, 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 adjuster has opened 21 new offices across the globe in the past two years. In recent years the business has also expanded into the aviation and agricultural markets, via mergers with Airclaims (now McLarens Aviation) and Agrical.

Brown said: “We have an exceptional team of claims professionals, a stable footprint for growth and a proposition that resonates with clients globally.”

Chalfant 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 chief executive 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.”