Aon hires ex-Big Four accounting exec as global head of ESG transaction

Global reinsurance broker  Aon has hired a former Big Four accounting firm senior associate as global head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) transaction advisory services within its M&A and transaction solutions practice.

Luise O’Gorman (pictured) will be tasked to lead the creation and development of a holistic ESG proposition tailored to M&A and other transactions designed to meet the growing demand for pre-acquisition ESG solutions and post-closing support, including advisory and transactional services for financial sponsor-owned portfolio companies.

Prior to joining Aon, O’Gorman was a management consultant with a career focus in climate risk, the energy transition, renewable energy and sustainability more broadly. Working with PwC, Baringa Partners and as an independent consultant, she advised central governments and private-sector companies in the UK and EU, particularly in the energy and financial services industries. Most recently, O’Gorman advised a multinational financial services company on how to adhere to recent regulations by embedding climate risk considerations into its business and operating model.

Edwin Charnaud, chairman, M&A and transaction solutions at Aon, said: “Our own recent analysis has shows that ESG considerations have become an important area of focus for companies and their stakeholders -  impacting deal structures, valuations and post-deal roadmaps. As part of the due diligence processes, buyers will increasingly scrutinise how targets address the volatility of climate risk and contribute to environmental goals, determine if they act socially responsible and identify material, financial, compliance and reputational risks. On the sell-side, dealmakers may want to highlight opportunities to leverage targets’ positive ESG credentials.”

O’Gorman commented: “I am thrilled to join Aon to help secure investments, enhance returns and shape better deal decisions for our clients. I am excited to join such a diverse global team of proven professionals dedicated to staying ahead of trends and driving innovation in the M&A space in a way that not only participates in the market, but helps drive it.”

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