Popular broker Steve Lardner will retire from Aon Risk Solutions on July 6.

Sydney-based Mr Lardner, the immediate Past President of the National Insurance Brokers Association, is Chief Broking Officer and Director, Broking Operations at Aon.

The retirement decision was announced this afternoon by Aon Pacific Region Chairman Steve Nevett.

Describing Mr Lardner as “one of the most respected people in our industry”, Mr Nevett said his work over the past 21 years has “been instrumental in establishing Aon as a market leader in this country”.

Bob Mann, who is currently Aon’s Chief Placement Officer, will succeed Mr Lardner as Chief Broking Officer on March 1.