Aon Australia has split the roles of CEO and chairman, and appointed Lambros Lambrou as CEO.

He will replace Steve Nevett, who will continue as Chairman, Pacific Region. The changes will take effect in January.

Aon says Mr Lambrou’s appointment will let Mr Nevett focus on the company’s broader strategy across the Pacific region and “work to further build a number of key client and market relationships”.

Mr Nevett says the move will strengthen the Australian leadership team.

“Our clients can expect to benefit from [Mr Lambrou’s] outstanding understanding of global insurance markets and we’re very much looking forward to cementing his expertise into our business here,” he said.

Mr Lambrou is currently CEO of Aon’s London global broking centre and Chief Broking Officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

He worked in Australia from 1992 to 2008 in reinsurance and retail broking roles.