Tom Brown Leads Marsh McLennan Agency Mid-Atlantic with Strong Heritage and Growth

Tom Brown, chairman of Marsh McLennan Agency Mid-Atlantic based in Richmond, has a longstanding family history in the insurance industry dating back to 1916. His career at Rutherfoord, the family-founded insurance agency in Roanoke, began in 1979, eventually leading him to open an office in Richmond in 1983. Brown rose through the ranks to become president in 1998, CEO in 2004, and played a pivotal role in the company’s acquisition by Marsh McLennan in 2010. By 2016, he was appointed chairman of Marsh McLennan’s Mid-Atlantic operations.

Marsh McLennan is a major player in the insurance sector, offering business insurance, employee health benefits, retirement, and private client insurance solutions. The company operates over 300 offices across the U.S. and Canada and reported revenues of $24.46 billion in 2024, marking an 8% growth compared to the previous year. It employs approximately 340 people in Virginia, highlighting the state’s importance as a regional hub.

Beyond insurance, Brown and his family have diversified into the retail food sector, purchasing Richmond specialty grocer Yellow Umbrella Provisions in 2020. They have expanded this venture with a new location in the Libbie Mill shopping center in 2024 and opened Ballast, a complex in Scott’s Addition that includes a market, restaurant, fish company, and vodka tasting room.

Brown’s leadership at Marsh McLennan comes during a dynamic period for the company and the insurance industry, characterized by continued growth and diversification. His experience reflects the evolving landscape of regional insurance management and business expansion strategies within established financial service organizations. Marsh McLennan’s strong regional presence and diverse service portfolio underscore the company’s role in addressing evolving client needs and market demands across the Mid-Atlantic.

This profile of Tom Brown illustrates the intersection of traditional insurance agency heritage with modern corporate stewardship and highlights the integration of family leadership in business growth and diversification. Marsh McLennan’s consistent revenue increase and extensive regional operations signal the ongoing relevance of established insurance firms adapting to market conditions and regional economic trends.