Just a month ago, Marsh was looking forwards as it expanded its construction business and announced the purchase of NY based Acumen Solutions Group. Now, it has to contend with the loss of two big hitters, including MD Rob McDonough was Construction Practice leader for the whole country.
Aon plc has announced the appointment of McDonough and Brian Hodges, also a Marsh employee, to bolster its construction, infrastructure, and surety practice in North America.
McDonough, who previously spent more than two decades at Aon nearly a decade ago, returns to the firm as CEO of construction, infrastructure, and surety for North America. He will be responsible for driving strategy and growth, leveraging Aon’s investments in data, analytics, and risk management solutions.
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Hodges, also joining from Marsh McLennan, will serve as head of surety for North America, overseeing Aon’s contract and commercial surety operations. He had spent 3 years at Marsh, and has over 30 years of experience in the industry, including 26 years at Zurich, he brings expertise in surety underwriting and risk management. He will be based in the Washington, D.C. area.
The hires are part of Aon’s strategic move to strengthen its position in the construction and surety sectors, both of which are undergoing significant shifts due to evolving economic and regulatory landscapes.
"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,” said Brian Wanat, head of commercial risk for North America at Aon.”
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Lori Goltermann, CEO of Regions and North America for Aon, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing importance of risk management in the construction sector. “The construction industry remains a global priority for Aon,” she said.
The leadership shake-up also includes Tony DeFelice continuing as chairman of casualty at Aon, while Mike Herrod will take on the role of chairman of surety.
Aon has identified construction and surety insurance as key growth areas, particularly as infrastructure projects expand and firms seek greater risk mitigation strategies. The new appointments align with the company’s broader goal of providing specialized risk management services across diverse industries.
