Gallagher announces retirement of senior MD

McLaughlin will be succeeded by executive VP Paul Pousson, alongside executive director Stacie Kroll – who is being promoted to managing director of operations and risk management.

Beginning his insurance career at Stewart Smith Group in 1978, McLaughlin later joined Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s headquarters in Rolling Meadows, IL in 1981 as an account executive. In 1983, he was transferred to the company’s Denver branch, later becoming area vice president and head of the risk management department.

McLaughlin eventually returned to Gallagher’s home office in 1999 to serve as area president, public nonprofit and managing director of the then-newly formed higher education practice. It was under McLaughlin’s leadership that the practice grew to become a leading global higher education broker, representing over 1,400 clients worldwide.

McLaughlin is a four-time Risk & Insurance Education Power Broker recipient and has received multiple recognitions from Gallagher, including the Wightman Award for outstanding organic growth, Branch Manager of the Year, Top 10 Producer, and the Gallagher Way Award in 2022.

“John McLaughlin has been a mentor and friend of mine for many years. I admire his leadership and numerous contributions to the higher education practice,” said Gallagher executive VP and managing director of the higher education practice Paul Pousson. “I’m confident that Gallagher is well-positioned to further enhance the programs and services we offer our higher education clients, and to strengthen our clients’ ability to make cost effective, risk informed decisions in support of their goals and objectives.”

“Under John’s leadership, Gallagher has gained recognition for our thought leadership and innovative insurance solutions in the higher education space,” commented Stacie Kroll. “I am humbled and excited to not only carry the torch, but to find new ways for us to address our clients’ needs in this challenging market environment.”