Aon Appoints Sarah E. Smith to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has appointed Sarah E. Smith to its Board of Directors, effective April 15, 2023. Smith, a former executive at Goldman Sachs, brings extensive financial and regulatory expertise, having served as both chief accounting officer and chief compliance officer during her tenure. Aon’s chair, Lester B. Knight, highlighted her knowledge of financial and professional services as vital for the company’s strategy in navigating complex risks. Smith's experience includes key leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, where she was also a partner. Her addition to Aon's board is expected to enhance governance as the firm aims to innovate solutions for its clients amidst rising global challenges.

Positive

• Sarah E. Smith's appointment strengthens Aon's Board with her financial and compliance expertise.
• Her background in financial services will provide valuable insights for Aon's strategic decisions.

Negative

• Concerns may arise regarding continuity and the transition of new leadership at the board level.

DUBLIN, April 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced that Sarah E. Smith, a former member of the Management Committee of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective April 15, 2023.

"We are pleased to welcome Sarah to Aon's Board of Directors," said Lester B. Knight, chair of Aon's board. "Her past roles as a chief accounting officer and chief compliance officer will enhance our Board's financial and regulatory expertise. Combined with her deep knowledge of financial services and professional services, she will be able to offer essential insights across Aon's business as the firm continues to deliver innovative solutions to help clients make better, more-informed decisions in an increasingly complex environment."

Smith joined Goldman Sachs in 1996 and was named managing director in 1998 and partner in 2002. During her tenure, she served as the controller and chief accounting officer of the firm until 2017 and subsequently as the chief compliance officer from 2017 to 2020. Smith then served as senior advisor to Goldman Sachs from 2020 until her retirement in 2021. She also served on several governing committees of the firm, including the Firmwide Risk Committee, the Commitments Committee and the Firmwide Investment Committee. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Smith worked in the National and Audit practices of KPMG in both London and New York and held several finance positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

"I am excited to join Aon's board at a time when there is significant opportunity to help organizations make better decisions as they face heightened volatility and interconnected risks in every facet of their operations," Smith said. "I look forward to working with my fellow Board members as Aon helps address these emerging risks and accelerate innovation on behalf of clients globally."

Smith is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Accounting Foundation, the parent organization of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) since September 2020.

Smith attended City of London University (Dip. Acc) and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. She is a trustee of the Nuveen Churchill Private Capital Income Fund and also serves as a board member for three private companies: Klarna Bank A.B., Via Transportation and 98point6.

For more information about Aon's corporate governance practices and Board of Directors, please click here.

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. 

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Media Contact
Nadine Youssef
mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024

 

 

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SOURCE Aon plc

FAQ

Who is Sarah E. Smith and what is her role at Aon?

Sarah E. Smith has been appointed to Aon's Board of Directors, effective April 15, 2023, bringing extensive experience from Goldman Sachs.

What impact does Sarah E. Smith's appointment have on Aon?

Her financial and regulatory expertise is expected to enhance Aon's governance and strategic decision-making.

When was Sarah E. Smith appointed to Aon's Board?

Her appointment to Aon's Board of Directors is effective April 15, 2023.