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Aon Appoints David Carlson as Global Industrial and Manufacturing Leader

DUBLIN, July 1, 2025 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced David Carlson will join the firm as its global industrial and manufacturing leader, effective July 1.

In this role, Carlson will be responsible for advancing Aon’s industry strategy by deepening sector-specific insights, expanding solution capabilities and aligning global resources to better serve clients. He will lead efforts to strengthen relationships with Aon’s largest industrial and manufacturing clients and elevate the firm’s presence in the sector. Carlson will report to Petra Schmidt, global industry leader, and will be based in Minneapolis.

“Industrial and manufacturing clients are facing a range of complex challenges, including supply chain volatility, shifting regulatory expectations, and the need to accelerate innovation while managing risk,” said Schmidt. “David’s deep experience in the sector and his ability to translate industry insight into actionable strategies will help us deliver greater value to our clients and strengthen our position as a trusted advisor in this space.”

Carlson joins Aon with extensive experience in the field. Most recently he served as U.S. manufacturing and automotive practice leader at Marsh, where he focused on growing the practice and ensuring consistent delivery to clients. Prior to that, Carlson spent ten years in risk management and environmental, health and safety for two international automotive manufacturers.

This week, Aon also announced two additional North America industry leaders: Bhuma Patel, who will serve as North America financial institutions industry leader and collaborate with Peter Rutherford, Aon’s global enterprise leader for financial institutions; and Al Hartmann, North America government contracting industry leader, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in industry leadership to better support clients with specialized expertise.      

“Joining Aon presents an exciting opportunity to support industrial and manufacturing clients as they navigate a rapidly changing environment,” said Carlson. “I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to deliver insights and solutions that empower our clients to make better, more informed decisions.”

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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