How is Marsh McLennan Improving Maritime Insurance?
Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) has further strengthened its specialty market presence with the acquisition of Robinson & Son, LLC. The New York-based agency is a dedicated provider of property/casualty insurance solutions with a primary focus on the maritime sector.
The move signals MMA’s continued strategy of absorbing high-performing, niche agencies to enhance its service offerings for middle-market clients.
Robinson & Son, founded in 2005 by James Robinson and his father Peter Robinson, has built a reputation for navigating the technical complexities of marine risk.
Following the deal, the Robinson & Son team will continue to operate from their current New York office, maintaining continuity for their existing client base.
Strategic maritime growth
The acquisition is particularly significant for MMA’s Northeast region, where maritime operations represent a vital component of the local economy. By integrating a team with deep-rooted expertise in this field, MMA aims to bridge the gap between local service and global resource availability.
Jerry Alderman, CEO of MMA’s Northeast region, says that the team’s background in the trade will be vitally important.
“The Robinson & Son team has not only demonstrated substantial growth but also a passion for the maritime industry, as both James and Peter Robinson began their careers working in the trade," he explains.
“With strong industry ties and deep community connections, Robinson & Son will be a valuable asset for our middle-market clients with maritime operations as we build out our industry practice.”
For MMA, the addition of the Hudson Falls firm is less about geographical expansion and more about the acquisition of intellectual capital.
Right now, the maritime industry is up against a unique set of challenges – from shifting international regulations to the physical risks of climate change – requiring a level of specialisation that generalist brokers often lack.
Navigating complex risks
The transition comes at a time when the maritime insurance landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Digitalisation of logistics, geopolitical instability and evolving liability frameworks have made the role of the specialist broker more critical than ever.
James Robinson, Co-Founder and Agency Principal, notes the complexity of the modern maritime environment was a primary driver for joining a larger organisation.
“The risks that our clients in the maritime space face today are evolving and becoming more complex than ever before," he says.
“By joining MMA, we will have access to broader resources that will enhance our client service capabilities and enable us to provide additional solutions for clients, all while maintaining our staff and service that make us who we are.”
The acquisition of Robinson & Son follows a period of sustained growth for MMA, which operates as a business of Marsh.
With Marsh McLennan reporting annual revenues of US$27bn and employing more than 95,000 colleagues globally, the integration provides the New York team with a vast infrastructure of data and analytics.
In addition to the acquisition, Marsh continues to expand through leadership changes to support growth. Lisa Quest has been named the new UK CEO for Marsh. She will also maintain her current position as Head of UK and Ireland at Oliver Wyman, a Marsh business.
The appointment is scheduled to become effective on April 6, 2026. She takes over the role from Chris Lay, who is retiring from the business. Based in London, Lisa will report directly to Flavio Piccolomini, CEO of Marsh's International Division.