JLT set to gain three from Aon

Jardine Lloyd Thomson’s aviation team are set to get a boost as three senior brokers have handed in their notice to Aon to join the rival.

According to sources the trio consist of team leader Bill Smith, client executive John Cruse and team leader Steve Turner.

Aon refused to confirm whether the individuals had in fact resigned, but said: “Aon is a major force in aviation. We have a very strong team headed up by Simon Knechtli in the UK and by Peter Schmitz globally and we continue to invest in attracting and retaining the brightest talent in the industry and are committed to expanding this sector of our business." Aon has around 97 people employed in its UK aviation team.

But a source hinted that further negotiations were going on behind the scenes: “The situation remains fluid, just because someone hands their notice in, doesn’t mean they will in fact leave,” said the source.

Last month Alan Griffin, chairman and chief executive officer of JLT Reinsurance Brokers, said JLT was on a recruitment drive in order to increase its aviation insurance market share. JLT’s aviation business currently employs 65 staff but Griffin hopes to increase this to 100. He said: “I will be employing more people, both through headhunters and conventionally, for our London and Asian business,” he said. “We have senior people; we just need more of them.”

Last month Jonathan Harris, former managing director of Lockton’s aviation unit, was appointed as partner at JLT’s aviation reinsurance division.

New joint MD for Aviation in Asia

JLT has also appointed Martin Trumper as joint managing director for Aviation in Asia. Trumper will join from Aon as soon as his current commitments expire and will be based in Hong Kong

Alan Griffin, chairman & chief executive, JLT Re , said: "I am delighted to welcome Martin to our growing Aviation practice. He has an excellent reputation within the insurance industry and will play a key role in the continued development of our services in Asia and our expansion worldwide".