It was 1969 when Robert "Bob" Young founded the company that would become Sedgwick, a leading global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions.

Under Young's leadership, the business grew from "a small claims services company" to 500 employees. Since his retirement in 1996, Sedgwick has grown even further, now boasting 27,000 employees in 65 countries.

Bob Young died on Feb. 20, 2020, at the age of 83, according to a statement from Sedgwick. President and CEO Dave North said the loss will be felt by many within and outside the company.

"His passion for life was unmatched," North said in a press release. "An extremely dedicated and honorable man, Bob left an indelible mark on the insurance industry."

Voices sounded off around the insurance and claims space honoring Young's influence and impact.

Marsh Senior Vice President Sara Paul said she was always impressed by what Sedgwick "brought to the table."

"The focus Bob Young put on the professionalism of third-party administration, bringing in people with the right skills to handle claims and treating those making a claim as a person rather than a job was refreshing," Paul said via email. "His vision of what a TPA could be drove Sedgwick forward to be an innovative partner with their clients leading to long term relationships… This raising of the bar led to both carriers and other third party administrators raising expectations within their organizations in order to continue as viable competitors."

JC Beckstrand worked with Young about two decades ago and still thinks of the executive fondly.

"What a great guy," Beckstrand, senior vice president and practice leader at Willis Tower Watson, posted on LinkedIn in response to an announcement about Young's passing. "[We] worked side by side for many years and he was a man of character, integrity and a drive for excellence," he said.

Mary Anne Medina, vice president of business development at Field Pros Direct, commented on Young's legacy.

"Bob has left a legacy that will be remembered for generations," she said. "He is proof that you can start small and work hard to achieve success while taking care of those around you and realizing a dream," she said.

Is was Young's vision, Medina added, that fueled Sedgwick's climb to becoming a leading global provider of TPA services and risk solutions.

North also applauded Young's leadership and compassion.

"The establishment of our organization is widely regarded as having a seismic impact on the global insurance industry," the Sedgwick CEO said in his prepared remarks. "Bob's leadership and legacy encouraged innovative product development, organic business development, strategic acquisitions and more — all of which allow Sedgwick's offerings to continually evolve beyond claims processing to meet the current and future needs of our clients. We have Bob Young to thank for where we are today."

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Special Reports /

Insurance, claims execs honor late Sedgwick Founder Robert Young

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