Aon Poaches Key Leaders from Marsh, Bolstering Construction and Surety Practices
In a strategic move to fortify its construction and surety sectors, Aon plc has announced the appointment of two prominent figures from Marsh McLennan: Rob McDonough and Brian Hodges. This leadership shift comes as Aon aims to capitalize on growth opportunities within these critical industries, while Marsh faces the loss of key personnel.
Just a month ago, Marsh was actively expanding its construction business, including the purchase of the Acumen Solutions Group. The departure of McDonough, previously the Construction Practice leader for all of Marsh, and Hodges represents a considerable setback. The loss of such high-level executives underscores the competitive landscape within the insurance sector.
McDonough returns to Aon as CEO of construction, infrastructure, and surety for North America, having spent over two decades at the firm earlier in his career. He will be responsible for spearheading strategy and growth, leveraging Aon’s significant investments in data, analytics, and risk management solutions. His return signals Aon’s dedication to the construction sector.
Joining McDonough, Brian Hodges will serve as head of surety for North America, overseeing Aon’s contract and commercial surety operations. Hodges brings over 30 years of industry experience, including 26 years at Zurich, with a strong background in surety underwriting and risk management. He spent three years at Marsh.
Brian Wanat, Aon’s head of commercial risk for North America, stated, “Construction is a top priority for Aon as we navigate the evolving risks impacting the industry. We are thrilled to welcome Rob and Brian to the firm and for their leadership in this dynamic sector.”
Lori Goltermann, CEO of Regions and North America for Aon, emphasized the growing importance of risk management within the construction industry, noting that it “remains a global priority for Aon.”
Adding to the leadership structure, Tony DeFelice will continue as chairman of casualty at Aon, and Mike Herrod will take on the role of chairman of surety. The appointments align with Aon’s broader strategy of providing specialized risk management services across various sectors.
The hires represent a significant move for Aon, which has identified construction and surety insurance as key areas for growth, particularly with the expansion of infrastructure projects and the increasing need for risk mitigation strategies. This talent acquisition has the clear potential to shift market share and competitive dynamics within the industry.
