Aon hires Broadridge, ex-American Express finance chief as next CFO

Global broker Aon has plucked a banking veteran, currently the finance chief of fintech Broadridge, to become it next CFO succeeding Christa Davies.

Edmund Reese will be appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) of Aon, effective July 29, 2024. As CFO, he will be responsible for the firm's finance function and capital allocation strategy.

Reese has more than 25 years of leadership experience at large public companies in the financial services, payments and technology sectors. 

He has served as CFO of Broadridge Financial Solutions since 2020. Reese joined Broadridge after almost 12 years at American Express, where he last served as senior vice president and CFO of its largest business unit, global consumer services group, and held several financial leadership positions, including head of investor relations and CFO of global business services. 

Prior to joining American Express in 2009, Reese served as CFO of the US advisory group at Merrill Lynch and previously served as CFO of the corporate client group and stock plan services at Citigroup Smith Barney. He also served on The Hartford's board of directors, including as a member of the audit committee, and is a member of the Clemson University foundation board and president's advisory board.

Davies will certify second quarter 2024 results and then transition responsibilities and become a senior advisor to the firm until her previously announced retirement. 

Greg Case, CEO of Aon, said: “Edmund is an accomplished executive with deep financial, M&A and investor experience and a proven track record of driving strong results.

“As our next CFO, Edmund will further enhance our focus on top and bottom-line growth, disciplined capital allocation, and portfolio management to deliver positive outcomes for our clients, colleagues and shareholders. We look forward to welcoming Edmund to Aon at such an exciting time for our firm as we execute on our 3x3 Plan to accelerate our Aon United strategy and create key points of difference in how we serve clients.”

Lester Knight, chairman of Aon's board of directors, added: “Following the successful completion of our succession planning process, including a comprehensive internal and external search, we are excited for Edmund to join Aon. He will bring considerable financial experience that spans corporate strategy, M&A, and investor relations to further advance our long-term track record of strong financial performance.”

Reese said: “I am excited by the opportunity to join Aon as the firm executes on its 3x3 Plan to create more value for clients, colleagues and shareholders.

“I look forward to working with Aon's colleagues to build on the firm's legacy of financial performance and chart the next chapter of growth.”

Did you get value from this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.