NEW JOB TITLE: Chicago-based global CEO of affinity for Aon P.L.C.

PREVIOUS POSITION: Global chief financial officer of Aon Risk Solutions

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Affinity is a tremendous business for Aon today, but has even greater potential to help us drive client value. While I worked closely with the affinity business in my CFO role, I look forward to diving deeper into the business as CEO and helping drive our client growth strategies.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Delivering more value and innovation on behalf of our clients, whether in the area of product innovation on topics like cyber and the sharing economy, client experience — particularly in the digital space — or insights like improving sales and retention through data and analytics.

ON LEADERSHIP: Picking the right team, then developing and empowering them to reach their full potential.

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: Staying ahead of the curve in terms of advances in areas such as technology, alternative capital and consumer behavior.

CRYSTAL BALL: I see technology continuing to improve how we operate and work with clients. That said, being an expert, trusted adviser to clients on risk management will always be paramount.

ADVICE: No one gets anywhere on their own. We all depend on mentors to help us along the way. How you meet the mentors who will change your life and career is somewhat random, but you need to be smart enough to recognize opportunities when presented and take advantage of them.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” — Abraham Lincoln

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: History professor

HOBBIES: Spending time around Chicago with my wife and 5-year-old son, especially going to Cubs games and the zoo; golfing when I can find the time; spin classes.

PETS: We own three dogs, two French Bulldogs and one Australian Shepherd. We go through a lot of lint rollers in our home.

THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I wrote a book last year called “The Best Year Ever,” a humorous account of a year I spent pursuing adventure around the world and the life lessons I drew from the experience.

BIGGEST OBSTACLE FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Having a global role, managing the travel is the biggest challenge.

CORPORATE IMPROVEMENT: I’d like to vote for broader adoption of the Spanish siesta concept. Barring that, I would say greater rollout of telepresence and high-end video conference capabilities to cut down on travel.

FAVORITE MEAL: Pretty much anything Mexican or Italian.

ON MUSIC: I’m an alt-rock guy, with some EDM and ’80s guilty pleasures sprinkled in. The Killers, Lord Huron, Avicii … anything by Eddie Money.

CAN’T-MISS TELEVISION SHOW: “Modern Family” and any sports game or HGTV renovation show.

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: If the weather is nice, a Cubs game, Michigan football game, or golf. If the weather is poor, we’ll watch Netflix.