Aon Benfield, the global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), announces the appointment of Kelly Smith as President of its U.S. business, effective today. Kelly will report to Bryon Ehrhart, Chief Executive Officer of Aon Benfield Americas.
Smith joined Aon in 1989 and has had a significant role in building Aon Benfield into the world class firm that it has become. She was most recently Executive Managing Director of Aon Benfield U.S., where she led client teams responsible for managing more U.S. property catastrophe limits than any other team in the business.
Her expertise extends far beyond property catastrophe business, she also manages some of the industry's most significant casualty and professional liability reinsurance programs. Teams she has led have consistently lowered Aon Benfield clients' cost of underwriting capital.
Smith has also led teams that have integrated new capital flows into traditional placements to further benefit the firm's clients.
In addition to her client responsibilities, she also managed Aon Benfield's Chicago office.
She has been recognized and received numerous awards for her leading business achievements throughout her career. Smith also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Angus Robinson Jr. Memorial Foundation, The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Red Cross of Greater Chicago.
Bryon Ehrhart, CEO of Aon Benfield Americas, said: "Kelly Smith has built and led teams that have driven highly differentiated results for our clients. Kelly is a proven leader in our business and I look forward to the benefits our clients will experience through her new role."
Kelly Smith, President of Aon Benfield U.S., added: "I am looking forward to working with all of our Aon Benfield colleagues across the U.S. and continuing to seek ways to help them assist our clients maximize their performance and help them grow."
