MARK Lonergan is hanging up his cargo and logistics insurance broking boots and retiring after 40 years in the business.

Specialist marine insurance broking and risk consulting company AlphaXO Risk Partners announced Mr Lonergan’s departure on Thursday.

Mr Lonergan began his career in the London Market in the mid-1970s working for several Lloyd’s brokers, honing his craft over 10 years before moving to Australia.

For more than 30 years, he has been a well-known insurance broker for a generation of freight forwarders in Australia.

In January 2018, he helped establish AlphaXO’s Melbourne cargo and logistics office and has been an integral part of its continued growth.

AlphaXO managing director Andrew Glover said he was sad to see Mr Lonergan retire.

“The commitment he has shown to his fellow colleagues and providing extraordinary service to clients has been greatly appreciated,” Mr Glover said.

“He leaves a strong, experienced team that will continue to expand. Mark’s chance to put his feet up is thoroughly well deserved and on behalf of the whole team, we wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Mr Lonergan’s long-time colleague at AlphaXO senior marine broker Andrew Gordon said: “It has been an honour and a privilege working alongside Mark for almost 15 years. His knowledge of the cargo and logistics insurance space is absolutely second to none and the team has benefited greatly from this. From a personal point of view, I would like to thank Mark for his mentorship, support and friendship.”

Alpha XO Risk Partners is a specialist marine insurance broking and risk-consulting company with a focus on Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Established in Australia in 2007, AlphaXO is part of the Howden Group, a global insurance intermediary group.