Aon names James Harmer Head of Global & Corporate in Australia

Aon has appointed James Harmer as Head of Global and Corporate in Australia, strengthening its senior leadership in the local market.

Harmer steps into the role with immediate effect. He is based in Sydney.

He will lead a national team that serves some of Australia's largest organisations. The team has more than 170 professionals.

Aon said the team delivers risk, insurance, and people-related services. It focuses on large and complex clients.

Harmer will report to Kevan Johnston. Johnston is CEO of Australia for Aon.

Harmer will also join the Australian Executive Leadership Team. This places him among the firm's most senior local decision makers.

National brief

The Global and Corporate segment covers large corporates and multinationals. It often involves complex risk transfer and advisory work.

Aon said Harmer will execute the firm's national strategy for this segment. He will oversee strategic growth initiatives.

He will also focus on client service standards. The company said he will be responsible for service delivery quality across the segment.

The role includes a mandate to expand the use of analytics within the business. It also includes the development of new data-driven offerings for clients and colleagues.

Johnston said the appointment aligns with Aon's growth plans in Australia. The firm has been investing in senior leadership and specialist teams.

"James brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational discipline and deep client insight to this role," said Johnston, CEO of Australia, Aon. "His energy and leadership will be instrumental in driving our Global and Corporate business forward and further enhance the value we bring to clients."

Industry experience

Harmer began his insurance career at Aon in London. He worked as a broker in the Political Risk and Structured Credit team.

He later moved into senior leadership roles at JLT and Marsh. Both are major global insurance brokers.

At Marsh he most recently served as Managing Director and Risk Management Leader for New South Wales. That role gave him oversight of key corporate accounts in a large state market.

His experience spans political risk, structured credit, and corporate risk advisory. It also covers people leadership and business management.

Aon said Harmer brings a strong track record in developing teams. The company highlighted his work in building collaborative and innovative cultures.

He will focus on people management in his new role. This includes colleague empowerment, talent development, and team cohesion.

People and culture focus

Aon said Harmer will nurture talent across the Global and Corporate segment. The company also said he will promote a unified team culture.

The firm described that culture as centred on shared success and a commitment to Aon's values. It said this focus supports consistent client service across regions and industries.

Harmer plans to emphasise collaboration between offices and teams. He also plans to support continuous improvement in processes and service models.

He will work closely with Johnston and the rest of the Australian Executive Leadership Team. They will coordinate national strategy and client engagement.

Harmer holds a BSc in Economics with Political Studies from Royal Holloway, University of London. He is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Return to Aon

The move marks a return to Aon for Harmer after roles at rival brokers. He began his career at the firm before moving to JLT and Marsh.

He said he looked forward to leading the Australian Global and Corporate team.

"I am delighted to be returning to Aon. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such a talented team," said Harmer, Head of Global and Corporate, Aon in Australia. "The firm has such incredible momentum right now and I'm eager to get started helping our clients navigate an increasingly uncertain risk landscape."

Aon operates in more than 120 countries and serves clients in risk and people consulting. The Australian business continues to expand its senior leadership as large organisations reassess risk in a volatile environment.