Aon Names New Integration Chief and Chicago Market Leader
The firm appoints new leadership to manage its $17 billion acquisition of USI Insurance Services.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Aon has appointed Chris Rafferty as chief integration officer and Steven Carleton as Chicago market leader. The leadership changes support the firm's ongoing integration efforts following a string of major acquisitions.
Why it matters
As Aon pursues a $17 billion acquisition of USI Insurance Services, the firm is realigning its leadership to manage the integration process. These personnel shifts help ensure the firm can scale its operations while navigating the complexities of integrating large-scale corporate entities.
Aon is managing the $17 billion proposed acquisition of USI Insurance Services, following its $13 billion purchase of NFP announced 18 months earlier. The firm's integration management office is overseeing the transition process.
The players
Aon
A global professional services firm that provides risk, retirement, and health solutions.
Chris Rafferty
The newly appointed chief integration officer who previously served as Chicago market leader.
Steven Carleton
The incoming Chicago market leader who previously served as Midwest regional sales leader.
The details
Chris Rafferty, who served as Chicago market leader since 2024, moves into the newly focused chief integration officer role to oversee the integration management office. Steven Carleton, who joined Aon in 2011 and served as Midwest regional sales leader, succeeds Rafferty in the Chicago market leader role. These appointments centralize oversight for the USI deal while maintaining localized sales leadership.
Timeline
2007: Chris Rafferty joined Aon.
2011: Steven Carleton joined Aon.
2024: Chris Rafferty became Chicago market leader.
August 2026: Aon agreed to acquire USI Insurance Services.
October 2026: Aon announced the leadership appointments.
Market Landscape
Aon's structural move follows the precedent set by its $13 billion acquisition of NFP, which was announced 18 months prior to the USI agreement. The firm is scaling its integration management office to handle the $17 billion USI transaction.
Local business operators should monitor how Aon’s integration of USI Insurance Services affects service continuity and regional resource allocation. Watch for further shifts in account management teams as the firm scales its organizational structure.
The takeaway
Large-scale acquisitions require dedicated integration management to maintain operational performance during transitions. Operators should evaluate their own capacity to manage internal restructurings when planning significant growth or merger activities.
Further reading
For more on industry talent shifts, see our coverage of People.
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Do you believe the ongoing wave of multi-billion dollar corporate mergers ultimately benefits the average consumer?
