Ryan Specialty launches benefits unit with Aon hire

Ryan Specialty Group (RSG) has launched a new benefits division to be led by John Zern, who was previously with Aon.

Zern has joined the company as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ryan Specialty Benefits, which will focus on wholesale benefits brokerage and managing general underwriting capabilities to serve the needs of the retail brokerage community.

Zern served as CEO, Global Health Solutions & CEO, North America: Commercial Risk and Health Solutions for Aon. For over 30 years, he is said to have advised clients on health and risk strategies working closely with insurance leaders to build innovative solutions addressing some of the biggest challenges facing employers.

Pat Ryan, founder, chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group, said: “We believe there is significant retail client need and growth opportunity across employee benefits and are excited to be launching Ryan Specialty Benefits.

"John Zern is the perfect individual to lead this effort for our company. I’ve known John for many years and have seen firsthand his excellent executive leadership, team building skills and deep technical knowledge. I am very much looking forward to working with John and am delighted that he has joined the RSG family to lead this specialty for us.”

Zern commented: “I am thrilled to be working alongside Pat Ryan and the top talent at RSG to build Ryan Specialty Benefits. RSG is a very client-centric firm and a close-knit family which has positioned itself as an undeniable market leader in excess and surplus lines and specialty insurance. I believe in the power of the wholesale ecosystem and know delivering distinctive employee benefits solutions is of high importance to our retail client base.

"I will work closely with industry stakeholders to build the leader in wholesale employee benefits. Establishing Ryan Specialty Benefits is an opportunity I am privileged to have and excited to develop with Pat and the team.”