UK – Mercer Human Resource Consulting has named Simon O’Regan, the head of its Australian arm, to succeed David Barford, who is retiring as chief executive in the UK.

“With effect from October 15 2004, Simon O’Regan will take over as chairman and CEO of Mercer’s UK operations,” the firm, part of Marsh & McLennan, said in a release. Barford has worked at Mercer for 32 years

O’Regan is currently CEO of Mercer’s Australia/New Zealand business. “The success of Mercer’s approach to changing markets in Australia has given us a market leading position and a strong platform for growth,” said Dan McCaw, president and CEO of Mercer worldwide.

“In the UK, we believe Simon’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market-leading position in consulting, and begin to deliver investment products and packaged services and solutions to clients.”

“I am confident he will do an outstanding job in leading our UK business and will add substantially to its growth.”

Barford would work with O’Regan for the rest of this year to ensure a smooth transition.

O’Regan has worked at Mercer since 1988, initially in the UK and, since 1989, in Australia. From 1996, he spent three years at Vanguard Investments Australia before rejoining the firm in 1999.