Insurance Business · 2 Sep, 10:16 · Business briefing

Aon hands UK deal-advisory reins to in-house dealmaker Piers Johansen

Aon has appointed Piers Johansen to lead its UK deal-advisory business, marking a strategic shift towards internal expertise.

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Aon has appointed Piers Johansen to lead its UK deal-advisory business, marking a strategic shift towards internal expertise. Johansen, previously an in-house dealmaker, now oversees the division responsible for guiding clients through complex transactions. This appointment highlights the firm’s commitment to leveraging deep, practical experience within its advisory services. For professionals in the insurance and financial sectors, this signals a growing emphasis on seasoned transactional knowledge over external consultancy models. The move underscores the importance of specialized deal-making skills in the current market landscape, reflecting broader trends in professional services firms prioritising internal talent development and operational efficiency to enhance client value and competitive positioning.

Employer demand for AI in Insurance skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.4x20212x20222.9x20234.1x20246x20258.5x202611.4x
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This appointment signals that deep transactional experience is increasingly prized over generalist advisory roles. You should focus on mastering the nuances of deal structuring, risk assessment, and client negotiation within the insurance or financial services sectors. Professionals in mid-to-senior roles should seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in M&A or complex insurance transactions. Consider developing expertise in regulatory compliance and strategic risk management, as these skills are critical for deal advisory. Networking with internal dealmakers and understanding the operational side of insurance broking will position you favourably. Prioritise practical, outcome-driven skills over theoretical knowledge, as firms like Aon increasingly value candidates who can deliver tangible results in high-stakes environments.

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AI in Insurance+29%Finance and Accounting+32%Business And Management+34%Leadership+24%
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This briefing is based on reporting by Insurance Business on 2 Sep, 10:16. Read the original coverage →

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