LONDON, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon Benfield, the global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), today announces that Roger Smith has been appointed leader of the firm's London Accident, Health and Life team.

Mr. Smith has 30 years' experience in his field, having previously achieved great success as leader of Aon Benfield's US Accident and Health practice group.

Based in London and reporting to Richard Dudley, Aon Benfield Head of UK & Ireland and Specialties, he will now develop and implement plans to bring strategic growth to the London Accident, Health and Life team.

The US Accident, Health and Life practice group will now be managed by Robert Black, Patrick Malloy and Mitchell Schepps, who are all experienced leaders with a wealth of knowledge of the sector.

Ellsworth Whiteman, Global Practice Leader of Aon Benfield Accident, Health and Life, said: "This new role represents a great opportunity for Roger, and is testament to his many years of success in the Accident and Health sector. We thank him for all his hard work in leading our US practice group, and we know that his counsel will continue to be valued by its new leadership team. We have always worked closely with our UK colleagues and Roger's leadership will enhance our market presence in London to the benefit of our US and global client base." 

In his new role, Mr. Smith will continue to bring wide-ranging risk and capital solutions to clients, backed by relevant analytical capabilities that are tailored both to the Accident, Health and Life sector, and to clients' individual business requirements.

His entire professional career has been spent in Accident and Health reinsurance, having started at broker CT Bowring & Co in London in 1985 where he was appointed Director of Accident and Health in 1991. Mr. Smith joined Aon in 1995 specifically to develop its Accident and Health capabilities.

He is a graduate of The University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Richard Dudley, Aon Benfield Head of UK & Ireland and Specialties, said: "Roger will be a great addition to our London team. He has already proved himself to be a capable leader of the US Accident and Health business, and we look forward to the experience and insights he will bring to his new role. In serving our clients, particularly those with the largest and most complex requirements, it is important that we can draw on the expertise of colleagues with a global perspective, and in this regard Roger's knowledge will be invaluable."

Further information

For further information please contact the Aon Benfield PR team: Andrew Wragg (+44 207 522 8183 / 07595 217168) David Bogg or Alexandra Lewis

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SOURCE Aon plc