Aon Names Lester B. Knight as non-Executive Chairman
23/07/2008 11:15
AON Groep Nederland BV
Aon Names Lester B. Knight as non-Executive Chairman
CHICAGO, July 18 -- Lester B. Knight, an independent
director since 1999, has been elected non-Executive Chairman of the Board of
Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC). Knight, 50, succeeds Patrick G. Ryan, Aon's
Executive Chairman and founder, who previously announced his intention to
retire on August 1, 2008. Aon is the world's largest insurance and
reinsurance intermediary, and a global leader in human capital consulting.
Knight is a founding and managing partner of RoundTable Healthcare Partners,
a healthcare-focused private equity investment firm. Prior to RoundTable, he
was the Chairman and CEO of Allegiance Corporation. In addition, Knight
serves as a Trustee of Northwestern University, and as a director of Evanston
Northwestern Healthcare and Junior Achievement of Chicago.
Andy McKenna, Aon's lead director and chair of the ad hoc Nominating
Committee, commented, "Aon's choice of an independent non-Executive Chairman
is consistent with best governance practices of leading global firms. The
Aon family and our shareholders should be confident in Lester's ability to
sustain the independent oversight of their interests."
Ryan noted, "As I have remarked many times since announcing my retirement
earlier this year, Aon is extremely well-positioned for growth and success
under the leadership of Greg Case and his management team. Our Board has
never been more excited about the future of Aon. Lester is a wonderful
choice and will ensure continued close collaboration between the Board and
management."
Knight said, "I am gratified to serve Aon's shareholders in a new capacity
and want to thank Pat, Andy and the Board for honoring me with this
opportunity. I look forward to working with the Board, Greg and the
management team to ensure Aon continues to strengthen and extend its position
of global market leadership."
About Aon
Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC) is the leading global provider of risk management
services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management
consulting. Through its 36,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon delivers
distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and
workforce productivity solutions. Our industry-leading global resources,
technical expertise and industry knowledge are delivered locally through more
than 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Aon was named the world's "best
broker" by Euromoney magazine's 2008 Insurance Survey. Aon also was ranked
by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage in 2007 and 2008
based on brokerage revenues, and voted best insurance intermediary, best
reinsurance intermediary, and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007
by the readers of Business Insurance.
http://www.aon.com