WHITE PLAINS, March 10, 2026 – Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) and a leading provider of business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement and wealth, and private client insurance solutions across the US and Canada, today announced the appointment of Ernie Leist as National Marine Practice Leader, McGriff Specialty. Mr. Leist is based in Houston and reports to Robert Drew, President of McGriff, a Marsh McLennan Agency company.
In his new role, Mr. Leist is responsible for leading a team of dedicated marine specialists to provide industry-leading risk advisory and transactional services to large, complex clients involved in international ocean shipping, inland waterway transportation, offshore energy, and global logistics. He will also continue to serve as a producer in McGriff Specialty’s closely aligned energy and power practice.
Mr. Leist brings over 15 years of experience in global energy and marine operations to the role, most recently serving as a producer and regional claims leader at McGriff Specialty. Prior to joining McGriff in 2012, he worked for Rowan Companies, building deepwater drilling rigs in South Korea and serving as a rig manager in West Africa. He has also worked in similar roles in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Canary Islands.
Commenting on Mr. Leist’s appointment, Mr. Drew said: “Ernie’s marine expertise and experience both in the US and abroad make him the ideal person to lead this important sector for McGriff Specialty. Under his leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to provide clients the right guidance, insurance programs, and risk mitigation strategies to minimize loss and capitalize on growth opportunities.”
Mr. Leist added: “Built on years of trusted client relationships, our marine practice remains focused, disciplined, and well-positioned for growth. I am honored to support our veteran team as we guide clients through an evolving risk landscape with innovative and effective risk mitigation strategies and solutions."
