Aon overhauls leadership in US specialty segment

Aon has introduced a new leadership structure for its US specialty distribution operations within its Reinsurance Solutions division.

The revised organisational set-up covers delegated authority platforms, excess and surplus (E&S) carriers, hybrid fronts, managing general agents (MGAs), managing general underwriters (MGUs) and programme-specific carriers.

A designated leadership team will now oversee the segment, enhancing specialised expertise, partner connectivity and client solution delivery.

This team will also work closely across other areas such as reinsurance, commercial risk, capital advisory and analytics to offer clients combined, data-oriented solutions.

Sarah Freitag has been appointed as leader of the US specialty distribution and E&S segment.

Her brief includes setting direction for strategy, targeting investment priorities, and working across various internal teams to provide cohesive services for clients and trading partners.

Cory Schilling has been named as head of the MGA segment, responsible for strategy across MGAs, MGUs and delegated authority platforms.

Schilling will also act as the main point of contact for MGA clients and coordinate with those focused on carrier relationships to ensure alignment on distribution approaches.

Cory Anderson steps into the role of MGA growth leader for both programmes and MGAs/MGUs, concentrating on expanding programmes and identifying new platform opportunities.

He will work with both the commercial risk solutions and the specialty distribution group to deliver integrated services.

Max McClure takes up the position of programme-focused carrier growth leader.

He is tasked with supporting development efforts with programme-specific carriers and hybrid fronts, while also managing broader interactions with reinsurers to help support client growth objectives.

The company outlined potential advantages for clients from these changes, including improved access to specialist expertise across E&S, MGA and programme channels, and quicker response to growth opportunities through stronger collaboration with carriers and MGAs.

The company also expects more integrated advice drawing from several business areas, as well as continuity of contact points throughout the US specialty market.

Aon Reinsurance Solutions Americas CEO Steve Hofmann said: “Clients, carriers and MGAs are operating in an increasingly complex environment, and over the past several years Aon has made significant investments in specialised talent focused on this space.

“This new US specialty distribution leadership team unites our talent, insights and capabilities to support our clients and stakeholders in this important segment of the US market.”

Last month, Aon signed a $25m reinsurance facility agreement with Kniazha Vienna Insurance Group and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).  

The agreement is expected to provide DFC-backed reinsurance coverage on war risk insurance portfolios up to $100m.