Aon has made changes across its Australian executive leadership team, as it moves to deepen its client focus and increase connectivity across the business.

Helen Lockwood becomes Australian COO from January after heading affinity and small business since February last year.

Australian CEO Kevan Johnston says Ms Lockwood will drive operational excellence across the business. She will report to Mr Johnston and Asia-Pacific COO Ben Jones.

“Helen’s appointment reflects her strong track record of leading complex transformation, building high-performing teams and delivering commercial outcomes,” Mr Johnston said in a note on the changes.

Ben Rolfe expands his role to head of commercial risk for Australia and chief broking officer for Pacific, effective this month.

“This change recognises the strategic importance of broking to our business and the opportunity to better connect the distinct strengths and market perspectives of our Australian and New Zealand teams,” Mr Johnston said.

“Ben’s expanded Pacific remit is designed to support and complement the strong broking capability already in place in New Zealand while creating greater opportunities to connect expertise and strengthen collaboration across the region.”

Mary-Catherine Hamill joins the Australian executive leadership team this month and continues as head of construction, with an expanded remit.

As part of the changes Housing Industry Association Insurance Services, led by Anita Wilson, will move from the national team leadership structure within Aon to one connected leadership structure for construction.

“This is an important step in strengthening our construction capability so we can better deploy specialist expertise, deepen sector focus and create stronger learnings between client segments, market opportunities and growth priorities,” Mr Johnston said.