Former chairman of Aon Crisis Management to take new role.

Aon Risk Services, the leading global risk and insurance firm, has appointed Christof D. Bentele as chief commercial officer, Aon Middle East, with immediate effect.

Bentele will be responsible for managing the client-facing operations and business development, with a specific focus on the development of innovative products and services. In addition, he will oversee the development of promising young talent from within the Middle East region.

He has 20 years experience in the insurance industry and has been with Aon since 2000, most recently as chairman of Aon Crisis Management. He came to Aon from AIG, where he ran European crisis management operations.

Latif AlRayes, chief executive officer, Aon Middle East said, “With his wealth of expertise in insurance and client relationship and his demonstrated success and leadership skills, Christof is ideally positioned to head up client facing operations in the region.

“Aon has been serving the Middle East for almost 30 years.

"The economic boom, new legislation and structural reform all provide ideal conditions in which to develop the region’s insurance and reinsurance market and Aon is committed to leveraging its specialist and global expertise to play an integral role in its continued development.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.