“Whenever you do a succession and perpetuation planning process, that process starts from the day you take your position, not somewhere in the course of it,” noted Anthony Gruppo (pictured) who stepped down as CEO of Marsh Commercial in January 2022.
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Having that succession plan in mind, however, never hampered the passion Gruppo feels for the career he has enjoyed as an insurance professional. Thinking about it in terms of seasons, he said, he was part of this “wonderful industry” for the equivalent of 45 seasons and simply put, the time is right to “put the cleats up”.
“Because as servants’ leaders and in the roles that we serve, it’s always important to see the future and when that time is going to come,” he said. “So, you’re always looking at the talent around you and always making that assessment. That’s also a discussion for an entire family because all the dynamics change when you start to think that way. [We’ve all] met a lot of people who say they almost can’t leave because often their identity is wrapped around [their role]. Instead of just doing what they do, they become what they do. That’s not a good situation to be in.”
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A successful transition revolves around having early and constructive discussions with the board and the entire leadership tier, he said, and he was having discussions about stepping away as CEO a year in advance of that transition period. When you do that, it’s healthy and energetic and dynamic, because it becomes about everyone you serve, rather than yourself – which is the hallmark of a healthy succession.
The insurance industry is always exciting and dynamic, Gruppo said, and he has never reached the point of burnout or even lost interest in the sector. Instead, what has happened is he got to the place where he realised there are other things he can do, and other places where he can apply the skills he has developed throughout his time in insurance. For example, he has written seven books and donates all the proceeds and royalties from those books to charities, particularly Autism charities.
“What I realised is that there are so many organisations that can benefit from our talents and opportunities,” he said. “[It’s then] you step into another realm, you step into a realm where you could do work with charity, in all its different forms, but also speaking engagements, and media work and, and coaching - I coach several leaders around the world on their personal situations, or professional situations.
“Then you realise that it’s time for that next move and it just makes it very comfortable. And then you think about family too. When you are in high positions of necessary energy, and you’re responsible for 1,000s of people, there is also that time as a husband, a father, a grandfather. And you also want to take those remaining seasons of life, and be able to share more with them.”
