Aon plc and Gilchrist Connell have announced senior appointments in Australia, including roles focused on large corporate risk clients and specialist insurance lines.
Aon plc has appointed James Harmer (pictured) as head of global and corporate for its Australian business, effective immediately. Based in Sydney, Harmer will oversee a national team of more than 170 professionals working with large organisations on risk, insurance, and people-related solutions. He will report to Aon Australia CEO Kevan Johnston and will sit on the Australian executive leadership team.
Harmer began his career with Aon in London as a broker in the political risk and structured credit team. He later held senior positions at JLT and Marsh, most recently serving as managing director and risk management leader for New South Wales at Marsh, working with major corporate accounts. Harmer holds a Bachelor of Science in economics with political studies from Royal Holloway, University of London, and is an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
In his new role, Harmer will be responsible for implementing Aon’s national strategy for the global and corporate segment. His remit includes business development, client relationship management, and coordination across business lines, as well as the use of analytical and data-focused tools in designing solutions for complex risk programs, including multinational and large domestic accounts. Johnston commented: “James brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep client insight to this role. His energy and leadership will be instrumental in driving our global and corporate business forward and further enhance the value we bring to clients.”
Harmer said he sees the role as an opportunity to support clients dealing with changing risk conditions. “I am delighted to be returning to Aon. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such a talented team. The firm has such incredible momentum right now, and I’m eager to get started helping our clients navigate an increasingly uncertain risk landscape,” he said.
Gilchrist Connell has added senior and mid-level lawyers across multiple offices, with new roles covering professional indemnity, business interruption, directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability, and casualty-related work. CEO Belinda Cohen said: “These appointments mark an important milestone in our growth strategy. Each of these senior lawyers brings specialist expertise that enhances our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients across Australia.”
The firm has appointed three new special counsel:
Gunatunga’s practice focuses on professional indemnity and coverage disputes. He advises insurers and insureds on complex matters involving professionals in sectors including real estate, construction, accounting, and legal services, and has acted in indemnity disputes involving business interruption issues.
Custovic works in liability and recovery, advising on personal injury, property damage, workers’ compensation, and contract disputes. She has experience in strata insurance and policy interpretation and works with clients on how coverage positions interact with regulatory requirements.
Kumar concentrates on coverage and defence of D&O claims and professional indemnity matters. With more than 18 years’ experience, she has acted for a range of professionals and regularly advises on coverage issues and litigation arising from complex claims.
In addition to the special counsel appointments, Gilchrist Connell has hired three senior associates:
Four associates have also joined the firm:
According to the firm, these hires form part of a broader expansion, with its headcount increasing by almost 20% since the start of the financial year. The growth spans all offices and practice areas. Gilchrist Connell said the additional lawyers reflect ongoing demand from insurers and insureds for specialist legal support across coverage, complex claims, and litigation in the Australian insurance market.
