Former president of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Robert Harrison, who helped set up Aon in Australia, died last week.

Sydney-based Mr Harrison, who held a number of senior roles at Aon during a 50-year insurance industry career, was 81.

He retired as Aon Australia Pacific non-executive chairman in 2007, having worked for 44 years with Aon and its predecessor companies.

In 1997 he led the team that brought together Bain Hogg, Minet, and Alexander & Alexander, laying the foundation for what became Aon Australia Pacific.

In 1995 he was Chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and he was president of NIBA from 1992 to 1994.

NIBA CEO Dallas Booth told insuranceNEWS.com.au that Mr Harrison was a “highly respected leader”.

“He made a big contribution to NIBA and the industry and we send our condolences to his family and former colleagues,” he said.

Aon Australia CEO James Baum extends his "deepest sympathies" to Mr Harrison's family.

"Robert was a stalwart of the industry, devoting 44 years of service to Aon and also serving as the first CEO of Aon Australia," he said.

"Robert was a valued colleague and will be missed by many."