CHICAGO, March 10, 2025 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced two  leaders, Rob McDonough and Brian Hodges, will join the firm to accelerate Aon’s construction, infrastructure and surety practice in North America.

McDonough will rejoin Aon as CEO of construction, infrastructure and surety, North America, and Hodges joins as head of surety, North America. Both leaders will start in the coming weeks and report to Brian Wanat, head of commercial risk for North America at Aon.

As CEO of construction, infrastructure and surety for North America, McDonough will lead the strategy and growth of the business. He will be responsible for leveraging the firm’s investments in data, analytics and content, bringing unmatched insights and service to clients. McDonough will be based in New York.

McDonough brings decades of experience in the construction industry to Aon. Having spent more than 20 years at Aon previously, he returns to the firm with a deep understanding of the complex nature of construction projects and the full extent of the risk capital value chain. McDonough rejoins the firm from Marsh McLennan where he was the U.S. construction industry leader.

"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. “With the addition of these two talented leaders and our continued investment in construction, we are excited about our ability to deliver unmatched service and expertise that help our clients mitigate risk and make better decisions."

As head of surety for North America, Hodges will be responsible for leading the team across surety, which includes contract and commercial surety and fulfilment teams. In this role, Hodges will accelerate the firm’s work managing complex indemnity structures and creating differentiated solutions for clients to help them protect and grow their business. Hodges will be based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Hodges brings more than 25 years of industry experience and joins from Marsh McLennan where he led the U.S. surety and subcontractor default insurance practice. Prior to this role, Hodges was at Zurich, building a depth of expertise in surety and underwriting.

"We are excited for Rob and Brian to join our team – their expertise and vision will undoubtedly build on the success of one of our largest industry practice groups. The construction industry remains a global priority for Aon, and their leadership will be instrumental in meeting our clients' evolving needs,” said Lori Goltermann, CEO of Regions and North America for Aon. “In a market characterized by new and emerging risks, we are confident that their addition will help us continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients."

With these new leadership appointments, Tony DeFelice will continue as chairman of casualty at Aon, and Mike Herrod will move into the role of chairman of surety at Aon.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

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