SYDNEY, 1 April 2026 - Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced two senior appointments to its education team in Australia, reinforcing its long term commitment to supporting education clients nationwide.
Lachlan Bowden has been appointed practice group leader – education, and Doug Hurst has been appointed portfolio director – education and faith, with both appointments effective 1 April 2026.
The appointments build on the strength of Aon’s education sector practice, helping to enhance national leadership, deepen sector expertise and support consistent, high-quality outcomes for education clients operating in an increasingly complex risk and workforce environment.
Aon has one of Australia’s most established education sector practices, built over 40 years and supported by a national team of dedicated education specialists. The team supports education clients nationally, including independent schools, governing bodies, education associations and universities.
Drawing on expertise across risk, insurance and people solutions, Aon supports education institutions across the key challenges involved in operating in the sector, from traditional risk transfer and governance to workforce and talent priorities. These appointments are aimed at further strengthening this capability and supporting continued momentum across Aon’s national education team.
As practice group leader – education, Bowden will be responsible for shaping Aon’s education sector strategy and leading its delivery nationally. With more than 15 years of broking experience across Australian and international markets, he brings a strong client-led perspective, grounded in practical advice, sector insight and long-term client relationships.
Since 2022, Bowden has led Aon’s education, faith and public sector team in Melbourne, where he is recognised for supporting clients through challenging market conditions and helping them make informed decisions. In his national role, Bowden will bring together expertise from across Aon’s education team and broader solution lines to deliver consistent, sector-led advice to clients nationwide.
Hurst joins Aon from Everest, where he most recently held the role of senior casualty underwriter, national – large complex risks and previously held senior roles at Chubb. He brings extensive experience in casualty underwriting and portfolio leadership across Australia and the U.S. markets.
As portfolio director, Hurst will focus on evolving the solutions that underpin Aon’s education and faith offering, with a particular emphasis on ensuring they continue to meet the changing needs of education institutions. Drawing on his underwriting background, he will help shape innovative, fit-for-purpose solutions that support education clients in building long-term resilience and confidence in their risk approach.
“The education sector is at a point where experience, scale and the ability to connect expertise across risk and people really matters,” said Alison Smith, head of national in Australia for Aon. “We’re delighted to welcome Lachlan and Doug to these national roles. Their complementary strengths will help education organisations make more confident decisions, address today’s challenges and prepare for what’s ahead.”
Read more about Aon’s education capability in Australia here.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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