Marsh has announced a significant leadership appointment for its reinsurance operations in Japan, naming Andrew Hare as chief executive officer of Japan, Marsh Re, effective 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval. This strategic move signals the company’s continued commitment to one of the world’s most sophisticated insurance markets and ensures a seamless leadership transition that builds on decades of established client relationships. Hare steps into the role as Jeremy Fox, the outgoing CEO, transitions to chairman, Asia Pacific, Marsh Re, providing continuity and strategic oversight during the change. This article examines Hare’s extensive industry background, his dual responsibilities, the strategic importance of the Japan market for Marsh Re, and what this leadership change means for clients and the broader reinsurance landscape in Asia Pacific.
Andrew Hare’s Extensive Industry Background
Andrew Hare brings more than two decades of deep experience in the reinsurance and insurance industry to his new role as CEO of Japan, Marsh Re. His career includes 15 years spent working across the Asia Pacific region, giving him a nuanced understanding of the local market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and client expectations that define the region. Before joining Marsh in May 2026, Hare spent 17 years at Aon, where he held various senior positions that honed his expertise in risk management, reinsurance broking, and strategic client advisory. Most recently, he served as head of insurance for Asia Pacific at financial services technology provider FIS, a role that further expanded his perspective on the intersection of technology, data, and insurance solutions. This blend of traditional reinsurance broking experience and technology-driven innovation positions Hare uniquely to lead Marsh Re’s Japan operations into a new era of growth and client service.
Dual Role: CEO of Japan, Marsh Re and Head of Growth for Asia Pacific
In addition to his responsibilities as CEO of Japan, Marsh Re, Andrew Hare will continue to serve as head of growth for Marsh Re in Asia Pacific. This dual role underscores Marsh’s strategic intent to integrate Japan’s reinsurance operations more closely with the broader Asia Pacific growth agenda. As head of growth, Hare is responsible for identifying and executing expansion opportunities across the region, leveraging Marsh’s global network and local expertise to help clients navigate complex risk environments. This dual mandate means that Hare will not only oversee client management and strategic initiatives within Japan but also contribute to the broader regional strategy that aligns Japan’s market priorities with those of other key Asia Pacific territories. The synergy between these two roles allows Hare to drive consistent growth strategies while ensuring that Japan remains a central pillar of Marsh Re’s Asia Pacific ambitions.
Strategic Importance of the Japan Market for Marsh Re
Japan is a vitally important market for Marsh Re and its clients, characterized by its sophistication, long-term relationship orientation, and unique risk profile. The country is one of the largest insurance and reinsurance markets in the world, driven by significant exposures to natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as complex industrial and commercial risks. Tony Gallagher, chief executive officer, Asia Pacific, Marsh Re, emphasized that Japan is a market built on relationships measured in decades, where trust and continuity are paramount. Under Jeremy Fox’s leadership, Marsh Re built a strong foundation in Japan, and Hare’s appointment is designed to build on that legacy. The strategic importance of Japan extends beyond its size; it is a trendsetter in insurance innovation, risk modeling, and regulatory practices, making it a critical market for Marsh Re’s global strategy. Hare’s relocation to Tokyo from Singapore in mid-2027 further demonstrates Marsh’s commitment to having senior leadership on the ground, fostering deeper client relationships and market engagement.
Leadership Transition and Continuity
The transition from Jeremy Fox to Andrew Hare is carefully structured to ensure continuity for clients and the broader market. Jeremy Fox, who has led Marsh Re in Japan with distinction, will continue in his role as chairman, Asia Pacific, Marsh Re. This continued involvement provides a bridge between Hare’s new leadership and the established client relationships that Fox has cultivated over the years. The chairman role allows Fox to focus on strategic advisory, market relationships, and governance, while Hare takes on the operational leadership and growth responsibilities. This dual leadership structure is a common practice in the reinsurance industry, where relationships and trust are built over long periods and a smooth transition is critical to maintaining client confidence. Marsh’s approach reflects a thoughtful succession planning process that prioritizes stability and client service excellence.
Client Management and Strategic Initiatives
As CEO of Japan, Marsh Re, Andrew Hare will be responsible for overseeing client management and setting strategic initiatives to grow the business in the country. This includes working closely with Japanese insurers, reinsurers, and corporate clients to understand their evolving risk needs and tailor solutions that address complex exposures. Hare’s experience in both traditional reinsurance and technology-driven insurance solutions positions him well to help clients navigate emerging risks such as cyber, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. The strategic initiatives under Hare’s leadership will likely focus on enhancing Marsh Re’s analytical capabilities, expanding its product offerings, and deepening its relationships with key clients. The Japan market is known for its high standards of service and technical expertise, and Marsh Re will look to Hare to ensure that the company continues to meet and exceed these expectations.
Relocation to Tokyo and Reporting Structure
Andrew Hare will relocate to Tokyo from Singapore in mid-2027, a move that underscores the importance of local presence and market engagement. Relocating the CEO to Tokyo allows Marsh Re to have its senior leadership embedded in the market, facilitating direct client interactions, regulatory engagement, and team leadership. Hare will report to Tony Gallagher, chief executive officer, Asia Pacific, Marsh Re, ensuring alignment with the region’s broader strategy and priorities. The reporting structure also allows Hare to leverage Gallagher’s extensive experience in the Asia Pacific reinsurance market, creating a collaborative leadership dynamic that benefits the entire region. The relocation timeline gives Hare and the Marsh team ample time to plan the transition, ensuring that the Japan operations continue to run smoothly during the changeover period.
Industry Recognition and Future Outlook
Andrew Hare’s appointment has been met with positive recognition from industry leaders. Tony Gallagher praised Hare’s exceptional commercial judgement and understanding of the importance of long-term relationships, qualities that are essential for success in the Japan market. Hare himself expressed his honor in taking on the leadership responsibility for Marsh’s reinsurance business in Japan, describing it as one of the most sophisticated markets in the industry. He emphasized his commitment to working with talented colleagues and the broader market to support clients in managing their risk portfolios. The post announcing this appointment originally appeared on Insurtech Insights, highlighting the industry’s interest in this leadership change. Looking ahead, Marsh Re is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in Japan under Hare’s leadership, building on the strong foundation established by Jeremy Fox and leveraging Hare’s dual expertise in reinsurance and technology-driven innovation.
The appointment of Andrew Hare as CEO of Japan, Marsh Re marks a strategic milestone for Marsh’s reinsurance operations in one of the world’s most important markets. With over two decades of industry experience, a proven track record in Asia Pacific, and a dual role that bridges Japan’s specific needs with the broader regional growth agenda, Hare is uniquely positioned to lead the company into its next chapter. The smooth transition from Jeremy Fox, who remains chairman, Asia Pacific, Marsh Re, ensures continuity for clients while bringing fresh leadership to drive innovation and growth. As Hare relocates to Tokyo and takes on the day-to-day leadership of the Japan business, Marsh Re reaffirms its commitment to the Japanese market, its clients, and its people. This leadership change reflects the dynamic nature of the reinsurance industry and the importance of having experienced, relationship-focused leaders who can navigate complexity and deliver value in a market where trust and expertise are the foundation of every successful partnership.
