Before stepping into the CEO role at Aon Australia in early 2018, James Baum had already proven himself an exemplary leader during his previous stints as chief broking officer and head of commercial operations, overseeing Aon’s SME and mid-market business in Australia and Papua New Guinea. During his time in those roles, Baum established a simplified regional operating structure and boosted regional leadership representation at the executive level in a strong push to create a diverse business leadership team.
“I have been very much part of the strategic direction of the organisation as it stands today,” Baum told Insurance Business shortly after his appointment. “For the immediate future, I would suggest we continue on that same path.”
The nimble structure was a major contributor to Aon’s commercial business moving from a long-term flat position to one of growth in less than 12 months. As Baum nears his first anniversary as CEO, many will be eager to see if he can deliver similar growth across the entire group. Already it seems Aon Australia is enjoying additional success under Baum’s guidance: the company was named both Australian Brokerage of the Year and International Brokerage of the Year at the 2018 Insurance Business Awards.
