Byrne takes the helm at Aon Cayman insurance practice

Aon has named Howard Byrne head of its Cayman Islands captive and broking operations, replacing Melissa Thomas, who is leaving the firm, effective July 1, 2022.

Aon announced that Howard Byrne will be named managing director for both Aon Insurance Managers (Cayman) and Aon Risk Services (Cayman).

In the new role, Byrne will assume leadership responsibility for all Aon Cayman group operations.

Aon said that Thomas will be departing the firm to pursue a new opportunity.

Byrne currently serves as director and chief commercial officer for Aon Cayman and is a member of the executive leadership team. He also serves as relationship lead for a number of Aon Cayman’s largest clients and has overseen the establishment of some 50 insurance captives and reinsurers in Cayman over the last ten years.

Byrne began his insurance career via a graduate program with Johnson & Higgins in London in 1996. He moved to Independent Insurance’s London liability team in January 1999 and joined Aon Cayman back in April 2002.

“Having just completed 20 years with Aon Cayman, I’m extremely pleased and honoured to take on this new role,” Byrne said. “I couldn’t ask for a stronger, more dedicated and client-focused group of colleagues and following another year of record growth and client engagement, we’re looking forward to continuing to help our clients make better decisions. I’d like to thank Melissa Thomas for her strong friendship and support, especially over the last two years. We wish Mel all the best in her new role as a professional director and look forward to collaborating with her moving forward.”

“Howard has been an integral member of the executive leadership team in Cayman for many years and his leadership abilities will ensure that we build on the tremendous momentum we have in our Cayman operations.  I look forward to working with him in his new role,” said John English, chief executive, captive and insurance management at Aon.