John Breedon, head of corporate consulting at JLT, is stepping into the breach following the sudden departure of the firm’s head of investment consulting, Peter Ball.

A JLT spokeswoman confirmed Ball's departure, adding Breedon would take over on an acting business, prior decisions on taking the investment business forward. Former colleagues expressed surprise at Ball's departure. People close Ball said he had not, as yet, revealed any job plans. Ball declined to comment.