Aon Australia has promoted Jeff Smith to Executive Chairman of its wholesale insurance arm One Underwriting.

Mr Smith was previously placement director at Aon Risk Solutions, and has worked with Aon and its predecessor companies for more than 43 years.

One Underwriting started operations in January as part of Aon’s new managing general agency strategy in Australia.

It uses Aon’s global buying power to offer competitive premiums to the retail broking market.

MD Broking and Chief Broking Officer Aon Pacific James Baum says Mr Smith is a “significant asset” with the knowledge and strategic ability to grow One Underwriting.

Ross Campbell will replace Mr Smith as Placement Director of Aon Risk Solutions Commercial.

He joins from Willis Towers Watson, where he is Placement Director, Broking Services.

Before joining Willis Towers Watson in 2009 he was national manager property and engineering risks at MCIA. He will take up the new role from September 1.