Marsh McLennan Agency Mid-Atlantic Chair Thomas Brown dies at 70

SUMMARY:

* Thomas R. Brown, Marsh McLennan Agency's mid-Atlantic chairman, died July 30 at 7.

* He led Rutherfoord before its 2010 acquisition by MMA.

* Brown was a Richmond investor, mentor and civic leader.

Insurance brokerage Marsh McLennan Agency on Monday announced that Mid-Atlantic Chairman Thomas R. Brown died July 30 at age 70.

"Tom was a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for our business, our clients and our colleagues, and a deeply respected member of our community," the agency said in a statement.

Brown started his insurance career in 1979 at Rutherfoord, an insurance agency founded by his grandfather in 1916. He helped expand the company's business throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. In 1983, Brown moved from the Star City to Richmond to open a Rutherfoord office. He became president of the company in 1998 and CEO in 2004.

In 2010, Brown helped guide Rutherfoord through its acquisition by Marsh McLennan Agency. Six years later, he became chairman of MMA's mid-Atlantic operations, working out of Henrico County.

Marsh McLennan Agency, which provides business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement and private client insurance solutions, has more than 300 offices across the United States and Canada. Its parent company, Marsh, in 2025 reported $27 billion in revenue, about a 10% increase over the previous year.

According to his obituary, Brown was born in Danville on Aug. 4, 1955. The obituary described him as "fierce in business, unwavering in his convictions, and endlessly generous," adding that "he led with quiet strength and loved with extraordinary loyalty."

Brown was also an investor and mentor to businesses in the Richmond area, according to his obituary. In 2020, he and his family purchased Yellow Umbrella Provisions, which he helped grow alongside his sons, Thomas and Tucker. The family also developed Slack Tide Fish Co. and the larger Ballast project, where Yellow Umbrella, Slack Tide and other food and beverage tenants are located.

Brown served on the boards of Venture Richmond, The Valentine Museum and several national insurance advisory boards, according to his obituary. He was also a member of YPO (previously known as the Young Presidents' Organization) and YPO Gold.

Brown purchased the historic Turkey Island Farm in Henrico County in 2010, where he worked to preserve the property's landmarks and restore its habitat, according to his obituary. For his efforts, he received a Henrico Historical Society Award of Merit in 2013.

"Tom will be remembered not only for his leadership but also for the lasting relationships he built and the impact he had on so many people," MMA said on Monday.

According to his obit, Brown lived in Richmond and died surrounded by his family.

Brown is survived by his wife of 37 years, Margy; his children, Thomas Jr., Tucker and Margaret; their spouses; six grandchildren; his brother, E. Trigg Brown; his sister, Aurelia Lewis, and their families.

A memorial service for Brown will be held 11 a.m. Aug. 18, at St. James's Episcopal Church in Richmond.

The post Marsh McLennan Agency Mid-Atlantic Chair Thomas Brown dies at 70 appeared first on Virginia Business.