Aon Cayman leader exits for new opportunity, replacement revealed

Global re/insurance broker  Aon has appointed a new managing director for its Cayman group operations  Aon Insurance Managers and  Aon Risk Services, effective July 1.

In his new role, Howard Byrne (pictured) will assume leadership responsibility for all  Aon Cayman group operations.

Aon Cayman’s current managing director, Melissa Thomas, has decided to leave the firm to pursue a new opportunity.

Byrne currently serves as director and chief commercial officer for  Aon Cayman and is a member of the executive leadership team. He also serves as relationship lead for a number of  Aon Cayman’s largest clients and has overseen the establishment of some 50 insurance captives and reinsurers in Cayman over the last ten years.

Byrne began his insurance career via a graduate program with Johnson & Higgins Ltd. London in 1996. He moved to Independent Insurance’s London liability team in January 1999 and joined  Aon Cayman in April 2002.

“Having just completed 20 years with  Aon Cayman, I’m extremely pleased and honored to take on this new role,” said Byrne. “I couldn’t ask for a stronger, more dedicated and client-focused group of colleagues and following another year of record growth and client engagement, we’re looking forward to continuing to help our clients make better decisions. I’d like to thank Melissa Thomas for her strong friendship and support, especially over the last two years. We wish Mel all the best in her new role as a professional director and look forward to collaborating with her moving forward.”

John English, chief executive officer, captive and insurance management at  Aon, said: “Howard has been an integral member of the executive leadership team in Cayman for many years and his leadership abilities will ensure that we build on the tremendous momentum we have in our Cayman operations. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”

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