Aon, the professional services firm specialising in risk, retirement and health solutions, has appointed Chris Rafferty as the new Chief Integration Officer for its Integration Management Office (IMO).
Rafferty joined the group in 2007 as Chief Operating Officer, a role he held for nearly 15 years.
He then became Global Specialty Product Leader at the broking group, serving in the role for two years, and was most recently the Chicago Market Leader.
In the past, Rafferty has served as Associate for Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) for Lincoln International, handling middle-market M&A. He started his career as an Analyst at Wachovia Securities in 2001 and as a Summer Associate at Goldman Sachs.
Simultaneously, Aon has appointed Steven Carleton to succeed Rafferty as the Chicago Market Leader. Carleton joined Aon in 2010 as a Business Intern in Health and Benefits Consulting and Operations, and then served in the department in roles including Senior Consultant, Consultant, and Analyst.
He has since spent his entire 15-year career with the firm, most recently as the Managing Director (MD) and Regional Sales Leader for Midwest.
Carleton has held roles of increasing responsibilities, including MD and Regional Sales Leader for Greater Chicago, Resident Sales Director for San Francisco, Senior Vice President and Resident Sales Director, Vice President of Northern California Health and Benefits Sales Leader, Assistant Vice President and Sales Leader for Middle Market Exchange (Midwest & West).
Rafferty commented, “I am excited to share an update on my role at Aon and the future of our Chicago team. After several rewarding years as Aon’s Chicago Market Leader, I have begun transitioning into a new role as Chief Integration Officer for Aon’s Integration Management Office (IMO). I am energized by the work ahead and the opportunity to help ensure a thoughtful integration that supports our clients and colleagues.
“Additionally, I am very pleased to share that my colleague and friend, Steven Carleton, our Midwest Regional Sales Leader, will be succeeding me as Chicago Market Leader. Having worked closely with Steve for many years, I have seen his commitment to clients, his support for colleagues, and his deep knowledge of our business. For all of these reasons, I am confident he will continue to elevate our impact in the Chicago Market.”
He continued, “As I reflect on this transition, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead in Chicago – helping drive growth, supporting colleague development, and partnering on many of Aon’s most significant client relationships. The relationships we have built together mean a great deal to me.
“I especially want to say “thank you” to Lynn Jekkals, Kristin Kahn, Nancy Coletto, Kirin Sporar, Ron Kalvoda, Sandy McCoy, Scott Fullerton, Tracy Williams, and Peter Holz as key leaders that have supported and will continue to drive the team’s success. It has been a privilege to work alongside you and your teams! Thank you to our Chicago team, our clients, and my colleagues across Aon for your partnership and support. I am excited for what we will accomplish together in this next phase.”
Lynn Jekkals, Midwest Region Leader, Aon said, “I’m excited to share that Steven Carleton has been named the Chicago Market Leader. Steve brings deep experience across Aon, a passion for developing talent, and a track record of bringing teams together to create growth and deliver the best of Aon for our clients.
“Just as importantly, he knows Chicago, understands what makes this market special, and cares deeply about our colleagues and our culture. I’m excited for what’s ahead under Steve’s leadership and for the next chapter of growth and impact for our Chicago team.”
She continued, “I also want to recognize Chris Rafferty and thank him for his leadership of Chicago over the past several years and wish him success as the Chief Integration Officer. Chris has helped build a strong foundation for the future, and I’m incredibly grateful for his leadership and partnership. Congratulations, Steve! I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for Chicago.”
