London, 23/2/2011 – Aon Benfield, the global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor of Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON), today announces that Jean-François Walhin will become Chief Executive Officer of its Brussels office effective March 1 this year.
Jean-François, who is currently Aon Benfield’s Head of Analytics, Benelux, replaces the present Brussels CEO, Bernard Suys, following Bernard’s decision to retire in March 2013.
Meanwhile, Jürgen Wielandts will assume the role of Head of Analytics for Benelux, focusing on the development of the firm’s analytical skills and capabilities in the region, and ensuring that Aon Benfield continues to deliver innovative service of the highest quality to its Benelux clients.
Richard Dudley, CEO Aon Benfield Benelux, said: “Bernard has been an incredible presence within Aon Benfield and its predecessor companies, and we are extremely grateful that he will continue to work for Aon Benfield for two more years. We will benefit greatly from his experience during this period, and he will help Jean-François in his transition to Brussels CEO. Jean-François brings immense energy and a broad skillset to the role, all of which will be invaluable in our drive to grow Aon Benfield’s business in the Belgium and Luxembourg markets.”
Bernard Suys commented: "I have decided to retire from Aon Benfield in March 2013, after a long and thoroughly enjoyable career in the reinsurance broking industry. To ensure an orderly transition, I will be handing over the reins of Brussels CEO to Jean-Francois Walhin in March, but will remain with Aon Benfield for the next two years and will be fully committed to serving my clients during this period. We have an immense amount of talent in both the Brussels and wider Benelux teams, and I know that all our colleagues will continue to give their best efforts in order that the division moves from strength to strength."
Jean-François said: “Richard and Bernard have retained and hired the very best people in the industry in order that Aon Benfield can achieve long-term business relationships with our Benelux clients, and I am very proud to take the lead from Bernard and look forward to working with him until his retirement. Through our customised solutions we will continue to deliver the highest quality service to our clients and assist them in managing their capital and earnings volatility. We will advise clients in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets solutions, and Solvency II compliance with ReMetrica. This is in addition to our leading traditional reinsurance transaction capabilities.”
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About Aon Benfield
As the industry leader in treaty, facultative and capital markets, Aon Benfield is redefining the role of the reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor. Through our unmatched talent and industry-leading proprietary tools and products, we help our clients to redefine success. Aon Benfield offers unbiased capital advice and customized access to more reinsurance and capital markets than anyone else. As a trusted advocate, we provide local reach to the world’s markets, an unparalleled investment in innovative analytics, including catastrophe management, actuarial, and rating agency advisory, and the right professionals to advise clients in making the optimal capital choice for their business. With an international network of more than 80 offices in 50 countries, our worldwide client base is able to access the broadest portfolio of integrated capital solutions and services. Learn more at aonbenfield.com.
David Bogg
Aon Benfield
t: +44 (0)20 7522 4016
Andrew Wragg
Aon Benfield
t: +44 (0)20 7522 8183
e:andrew.wragg@aonbenfield.com
Alexandra Lewis
Aon Benfield
t: +44 (0)20 7882 0541
e:alexandra.lewis@aonbenfield.com
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