People Moves: Lockton Appoints Lespérance as CEO of Canadian Business; Aon Taps Marsh’s Desmond as Head of Construction for UK Commercial Risk

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at the brokers Lockton and Aon.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Lockton Appoints Lespérance as CEO of Canadian Business

Lockton, the privately held independent insurance brokerage, announced the appointment of industry veteran Stéphane Lespérance as chief executive officer of Lockton’s new Canadian business.

This milestone appointment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering enhanced, high-level advisory support to Canadian enterprises.

Widely recognized as a leading figure in the Canadian insurance sector, Lespérance joins Lockton following 24 years in progressively senior roles at Aon Canada, where he served as president since 2019 and as president and CEO since 2025.

His proven track record of elevating client service by developing and implementing complex risk management strategies for large multinational organizations across North America, Europe and Asia and building elite advisory teams makes him uniquely positioned to shape the next phase of Lockton’s Canadian offerings, Lockton said.

The appointment reflects Lockton’s focus on building a Canadian-led organization to support businesses navigating a dynamic operating environment, with rising pressure across risk and people solutions.

With nearly 30 years of experience in risk management, Lespérance has effectively developed and implemented insurance program strategies for large multinational organizations specifically in North America, Europe and Asia. He spent 24 years in progressively senior roles at Aon Canada, where he served as president since 2019 and then as president and CEO since 2025.

He is also chair of the board of governors for The Insurance Institute of Canada. Lespérance studied risk management at l’Université du Québec à Montréal and has completed executive education programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Outside of his work, Lespérance is a competitive triathlete and enjoys spending time with his family.

“Canada is one of the world’s top 10 insurance markets, a sophisticated, globally connected economy where businesses are navigating increasingly complex, interconnected risks,” said Ron Lockton, chairman and CEO, Lockton. “Through our longstanding relationships in Canada, we’ve consistently heard the need for deeper specialization and a truly client-centric advisory model. Lockton’s independent structure allows us to meet that need in a meaningful way.”

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Aon Taps Marsh’s Desmond as Head of Construction for UK Commercial Risk

Insurance broker Aon plc has announced the appointment of Andy Desmond as head of construction for Commercial Risk in the UK, effective July 1, 2026. Desmond will be based in London and report to Rob Kemp, CEO of Commercial Risk in the UK for Aon.

In his new role, Desmond will lead Aon’s UK construction practice, driving growth and further strengthening the firm’s capabilities. He brings more than 25 years of experience across both broker and client roles, with 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 join from Marsh UK and Ireland, where he served as construction industry practice leader. He previously spent 18 years as an insurance manager at Kier Group.

Desmond’s appointment continues the strengthening of Aon’s Commercial Risk leadership team in the UK, following recent senior hires including Adam Reed as chief commercial officer of major, complex and enterprise clients, Michelle Beverley as chief broking officer, Amy Froude as chief commercial officer, Lucy Gleeson as head of product and facility and Chris Scott as head of UK global risk consulting.

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Aon Construction Canada