SINGAPORE – Global professional services firm Aon has named Magnus Roe as its new Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer. The appointment marks a key step in the firm’s broader strategy to strengthen commercial solutions and “empower clients” with enhanced decision-making capabilities, the company said.

Roe, who will be based in Aon’s global analytics hub in Singapore, will lead the firm’s data and analytics team across its global operations. His primary focus will be to innovate and integrate advanced data analytics and AIinto Aon’s solutions, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of providing actionable insights to clients while supporting its colleagues.

Roe will report directly to COO Mindy Simon and will collaborate with senior leadership, including Andy Marcell, CEO of Risk Capital, and Lambros Lambrou, CEO of Human Capital, the company announced.

“Magnus brings extensive experience as the former head of strategy for risk analytics, where he showed remarkable leadership and vision for the firm, shaping the strategic path for reinsurance analytics and future capabilities for Commercial Risk Solutions,” Simon noted.

“We are excited about the expertise and leadership Magnus brings to this role and the opportunity to accelerate Aon’s full breadth of data and analytics solutions for our clients.”

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Deepening AI integration

As Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Roe’s remit will cover the integration of AI, data governance, and analytics within Aon’s broader data strategy. This includes close coordination with Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital teams, ensuring that the firm’s data capabilities continue to evolve in line with client needs.

Roe will also work to align Aon’s data privacy practices with legal and regulatory requirements, an increasingly important area as global markets face growing scrutiny around data protection and compliance.

“There is great momentum at Aon, particularly surrounding our investments and strategy around Aon’s Centre for Innovation and Analytics,” Roe said. “I am thrilled to lead this exceptional team as we continue to innovate at scale, leveraging our global expertise and proprietary capabilities to advance how we serve clients and enable colleagues.”

Roe has been with Aon since 2013, having most recently served as Global Head of Strategy for Risk Analytics. In this role, he was responsible for shaping Aon’s approach to reinsurance analytics, playing a pivotal role in positioning the firm to offer more sophisticated solutions. Prior to this, Roe worked as Global Chief Operating Officer for Reinsurance Analytics, where he led efforts to deliver advanced solutions to both clients and internal teams.

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From strength to strength

Aon has posted robust financial results for the third quarter of 2024, reporting a 7% organic revenue growth across all solution lines. Total revenue increased by 26%, with adjusted operating income rising by 28%. The firm has also committed US$800 million to share buybacks this year, reflecting its strong financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders.

This growth has been fuelled by strong retention rates and the acquisition of new business, particularly within Aon’s Commercial Risk Solutions and Health Solutions lines. Aon’s recent US$13.4 billion acquisition of NFP is expected to further enhance its growth prospects, especially in the health services sector.

Aon’s growth trajectory is underpinned by several strategic initiatives:

Strong retention and new business generation. Aon's continued success in retaining existing clients while securing new business has been crucial to its revenue growth. This is particularly evident within its Commercial Risk Solutions and Health Solutions sectors.

Acquisitions. The NFP acquisition is a significant move to bolster Aon’s capabilities in risk management and health services, with expected mid-single-digit growth in these areas.

Technology and data analytics. Aon is making significant investments in technology and data analytics to further enhance its service offerings and improve operational efficiencies. This strategic focus will help Aon tailor its solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly data-driven world.

Talent development. In line with its growth strategy, Aon is prioritising talent acquisition in key sectors, such as construction and energy, to strengthen its market position over the next 12 to 18 months.

Aon’s strategic focus on technology, acquisitions, and talent is designed to position the firm for sustained growth. The firm’s diversified approach to growth across various sectors is expected to sustain its positive financial trajectory.

Moreover, the appointment of Roe signals a further commitment to leveraging data and analytics as core drivers of the firm’s future growth.