Global professional services firm Aon has announced the appointment of Andy Desmond as head of construction for Commercial Risk in the UK, effective 1 July 2026.
Bringing over 25 years of experience in both client-side and brokerage roles, Desmond will lead Aon’s UK construction practice, tasked with advancing the firm’s capabilities and driving growth.
He aims to achieve this by leveraging his deep expertise across risk placement, strategic advisory and integrated solutions, along with a strong focus on supporting innovation in construction methods and improving outcomes across the full lifecycle of projects.
Desmond will be joining Aon from Marsh UK and Ireland, where he most recently served as construction industry practice leader. He previously spent 18 years as an insurance manager at Kier Group.
The executive will be based in London and report to Rob Kemp, CEO of Commercial Risk in the UK for Aon, who commented: “As businesses navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape, from regulatory change and supply chain disruption to geopolitical volatility, extreme weather and cyber threats, Andy’s appointment reflects Aon’s commitment to be at the forefront of construction and infrastructure risk strategies.
“Andy has considerable expertise and experience in managing major client relationships as well as in supporting projects. He will further enhance our ability to deliver tailored and client-focused solutions.
“With projects growing in scale and duration, the challenges around capacity, limits and market participation are intensifying. Andy’s leadership will support the team to help clients mitigate delays, manage cost pressures and ensure smoother construction projects.”
Desmond’s appointment further bolsters Aon’s Commercial Risk leadership team in the UK. This move follows a series of recent senior hires, such as Adam Reed as chief commercial officer of major, complex and enterprise clients, and Michelle Beverley as chief broking officer.
Other recent hires also include Amy Froude as chief commercial officer, Lucy Gleeson as head of product and facility and Chris Scott as head of UK global risk consulting.
