Aon has announced the appointment of Eric Andersen as CEO of Aon Benfield, the firm's reinsurance business, and Mike O'Connor as CEO of ARS (Aon Risk Solutions), the firm's risk management business. Bryon Ehrhart, formerly the chairman of analytics and investment banking for Aon Benfield, will become CEO of Aon Benfield Americas.
In their new roles, Andersen and O'Connor will continue serving clients while leading the charge to apply innovative capital solutions to risk, fully utilizing Aon's capability, scale and analytics to provide value to clients in a changing world. They will report to Steve McGill, Group President of Aon plc and Chairman and CEO of Risk Solutions, a position in which he oversees ARS and Aon Benfield.
"The evolving nature of risk does not stand still and it is clear that our clients' needs are changing," said Steve McGill. "I am confident that with Eric and Mike's demonstrated leadership, Aon will be well positioned to address the new world of global risk and successfully guide our clients through these changing times."
Andersen, who joined Aon in 1994, most recently served as CEO of Aon Risk Solutions Americas. In this role, he led Aon's largest geographic business with teams in the United States, Canada and Latin America. He also played a key role as a leader of Aon Risk Solutions' Global Executive Committee.
"Eric's value as a leader, trusted advisor and industry expert is held in the highest regard by our clients across our businesses," said McGill. "He can provide deep insights on the transformational role analytics will play in the future of our industry and his understanding of the needs of clients and markets worldwide will help drive innovative solutions to help mitigate risk and create opportunity."
O'Connor, who joined Aon in 2008, previously held the role of chief operating officer for Aon's risk business, which comprises both Aon Benfield and ARS. In this role he worked alongside regional CEOs and COOs to develop and implement key business strategies and ensure delivery of the overall performance agenda across Aon's Risk Solutions business.
"Mike brings to this role an extremely knowledgeable perspective on what Aon is capable of providing to clients in the new landscape," said McGill. "His understanding of our business and geographies will allow Aon to take greater advantage of opportunities where we can integrate and strengthen our firm."
Bryon Ehrhart, now CEO of Aon Benfield Americas, has spent nearly two decades at Aon and in the reinsurance business. Since joining the firm in 1994, Ehrhart led the development of the analytics and technical services division of Aon Re Global. As Chairman of Aon Benfield Analytics, he oversaw the enterprise risk management, actuarial, catastrophe modeling, rating agency, economic analysis and value added services division of Aon Benfield. He has also led the development of the investment banking business completing several of the pioneering catastrophe bond, contingent capital, sidecar and post-event new company financing transactions for the industry.
"Throughout his career at Aon, Bryon has constantly challenged the status quo to identify trends and empower results for clients," said Andersen. "His knowledge of capital markets and analytics, and his ability to turn those insights into innovative solutions will serve Aon Benfield well in this new role."
Mike Bungert will become Chairman of Aon Benfield, with a focus on the Americas, and Dominic Christian will become Executive Chairman of Aon Benfield International. "Mike and Dominic have done a great job running Aon Benfield and their experience, continuity in serving clients and guidance for our firm is critical," said McGill. Michael O'Halleran will continue in his position as Executive Chairman of Aon Benfield.
The firm also took additional steps to strengthen Aon's global HQ and operations in the EMEA Region. Dominic Christian, Executive Chairman of Aon Benfield International, will become CEO of Aon UK Ltd., and Rob Brown, CEO of ARS EMEA, will be asked to join Aon's Executive Committee, pending UK Board approval. Christian will focus on Aon's presence in the UK leading efforts with clients, colleagues and public stakeholders, including regulators, government officials and the Lloyd's marketplace. Brown will broaden his efforts by joining Aon's Executive Committee while continuing to lead Aon's brokerage operations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – a strategic area that includes the UK as well as the emerging markets of Africa and the Middle East.
"These leadership changes represent a natural evolution as well as our understanding that we must continue to stay ahead of the curve for our clients," said McGill. "Leaders such as Mike O'Halleran, Mike Bungert, Dominic Christian, and Rob Brown will continue to play critical roles in leading the team and with clients and markets. Aon is the industry leader and we must continue to evolve and provide innovative solutions for our clients to remain the best in the business while addressing the changing world of risk."
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