Mercer appoints Martine Ferland as firm's next President and CEO

Human capital consultancy Mercer has appointed Martine Ferland as its new chief executive to take over from Julio Portalatin from the beginning of March.

Martine Ferland has been appointed as Mercer’s next President and CEO, stepping up from her current role as Group President from the 1st of March to replace incumbent chief Julio Portalatin. Joining the firm in 2011 as Mercer’s Retirement leader for Europe and the Pacific, Ferland has quickly risen up the ranks, taking on the then newly created Group President role just five months ago.

Ferland can draw from more than three decades of industry experience in strategy, business development and consulting, with a particular focus on clients in the financial services, manufacturing, telcom, and consumer goods sectors across North America, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Prior to joining Mercer served as the Director for the Canadian retirement practice of Towers Watson.

Earlier, Ferland spent more than four years as the Global Consulting Group Leader and Asia Retirement Business Leader with Towers Perin prior to the professional services firm’ pre-Watson merger, and since joining Watson has also held the role of  Europe & Pacific President and co-President for Mercer’s Global Health division. Ferland holds a Bachelor degree in Actuarial Science.

In her most recent and present position as Group President, which she assumed only in September last year, Ferland has been tasked with overseeing the firm’s drive for global profitable growth, with Mercer International President David Anderson and US & Canada President Louis Gagnon, who was appointed in November, under her direction – along with the firm’s Global Line of Business Leaders.

“Martine is a talented executive who possesses broad global experience and a proven record of success.  Her deep understanding of our business and clients, and more than 30 years of experience across the health, wealth and career spectrum, has uniquely prepared her for the challenge,” said Dan Glaser, CEO and President of Mercer parent Marsh & McLennan, which derives roughly a third of its $14 billion in revenues from Mercer.

Ferland will replace Julio Portalatin, who has served in the head role since 2012 and will continue on with the company as a vice president for Marsh & McLennan. Portalatin, a member of the board of directors for DXT Technology’s compensation committee, joined Mercer following a number of leadership roles over a five-year period with insurers AIG, culminating in a CEO Growth Economics position in New York.

“Julio energised Mercer colleagues and brought our mission and values to life through the work we do,” said Glaser, who also crossed from AIG.  “He oversaw a major repositioning of the business that resulted in Mercer’s operating income nearly doubling and assets under delegated management increasing fivefold.  Julio’s legacy with Mercer is one of focused execution, impressive financial performance, and colleague development.”

In Asia, Mercer has offices in China and Japan together with ASEAN locations in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore – the latter practice, headed by chief executive Peta Latimer since August last year, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in the country, capping the celebrations with HR Vendors of the Year awards for Best Total Rewards Consulting and Best Employee Benefits Consultancy.