Ryan Specialty hires former Aon exec to lead new benefits unit

Ryan Specialty Group LLC is launching a wholesale benefits brokerage unit and has hired former Aon PLC executive John Zern to develop the business, the specialty intermediary announced Monday.

Mr. Zern was one of several senior Aon executives that left in 2019 amid the brokerage’s restructuring efforts. Prior to his departure, he was CEO of global health solutions and CEO of North America commercial risk and health solutions.

At Ryan Specialty, Mr. Zern will be president and CEO of Ryan Specialty Benefits, which will include its wholesale and managing general underwriting benefits business, the Chicago-based intermediary said in a statement.

“We believe there is significant retail client need and growth opportunity across employee benefits and are excited to be launching Ryan Specialty Benefits,” said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty.

Ryan Specialty is the third-largest specialty intermediary and wholesaler, according to Business Insurance’s most recent rankings.