Crawford names former McKinsey exec as its first female board chair

Crawford & Company, the publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing, has named a new non-executive chair of its board of directors.

Michelle Jarrard was first elected to Crawford’s board in August 2018 and has now been promoted to non-executive chair.

Charles Ogburn, Crawford’s current non-executive chair, will remain on the board, chairing the compensation committee.

Jarrard was formerly senior partner at McKinsey & Company, holding multiple senior leadership roles during her 25-year career, most recently as global chief human resources and talent officer from 2007 until her retirement from the firm in January 2016.

Rohit Verma, Crawford's chief executive officer (CEO), said Jarrard’s “expertise has been and will continue to be pivotal as we navigate the extraordinary challenges posed by the pandemic and strive to achieve our envisioned future and purpose to restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities.”

Verma added: “I am proud that our board is one of the most diverse in our sector. I firmly believe that diversity fosters innovation, collaboration and creativity.”

Ogburn singled out Jarrard’s “intelligence, energy and determination” as assets to the board. “The fact that she is the first woman to chair Crawford’s board follows the proud legacy of Virginia Crawford, the company’s first woman director, and adds to our pride and excitement,” he added.

Jarrard said: “This is an exciting time for Crawford as it celebrates its 80th anniversary and continues to successfully execute through the pandemic while retaining focus on its strategic pillars, financial performance and people development.”

Jarrard is also the CEO of BioCircuit Technologies and a board member of Lazard and Inspire Brands.

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