Aon announces CEO appointments in Malaysia and the Philippines

Aon has announced two senior leadership appointments in Southeast Asia, naming Neelay Patel as Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia and Karl Hamann as Chief Executive Officer of the Philippines, reinforcing the firm’s focus on strengthening leadership and accelerating growth across key markets in the region.

Patel will take over as CEO of Malaysia effective March 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he will lead Aon’s Malaysia business across Commercial Risk Solutions, Health Solutions, Talent Solutions and Wealth Solutions, reporting to Andrew Minnitt, Head of Southeast Asia.

Patel brings more than 20 years of experience in risk management and insurance, including over a decade with Aon driving commercial strategy and growth across Asia. Most recently, he served as Head of Growth, Asia, where he played a key role in advancing sales transformation and bringing Aon’s full suite of capabilities to clients across the region.

“Neelay’s strategic mindset, strong client focus and values-led leadership position him exceptionally well to lead our Malaysia team,” Minnitt said. “His deep understanding of client needs and ability to mobilise teams around integrated solutions will be invaluable as organisations navigate an increasingly complex risk environment.”

Prior to joining Aon in 2014, Patel worked with Lockton in Australia and London, advising large multinational clients. His career spans senior roles across Singapore, Australia, London and Malaysia.

“I’m honoured to return to Malaysia to lead the business at a time when clients are facing more connected risk and people challenges than ever before,” Patel said. “I look forward to working with our talented colleagues to help clients build resilience and achieve sustainable growth.”

Separately, Aon has appointed Hamann as CEO of the Philippines, effective 1 April 2026, subject to regulatory requirements. Hamann will relocate to Manila in the coming months and will also report to Minnitt.

In the Philippines, Hamann will focus on advancing Aon’s integrated solutions strategy, working closely with regional solution line leaders to deepen client engagement and support sustained growth as clients manage increasingly interconnected risks.

Hamann brings more than three decades of leadership experience across Asia-Pacific and global markets. Before joining Aon in 2022 as CEO of Indonesia, he held CEO roles across the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Singapore and South Asia. In Indonesia, he led modernisation initiatives, strengthened commercial execution and enhanced market connectivity.

“Karl brings a rare combination of on-the-ground experience, commercial discipline and the ability to lead through change,” Minnitt said. “His familiarity with the Philippines market and his strong regional track record make him exceptionally well placed to build on the momentum of the business.”

Hamann succeeds Darren Oliver, who will transition into a newly created regional role as Head of Market Development, APAC Health Solutions, based in Singapore.

“The Philippines has been an important part of my professional journey, and I’m excited to return in this new capacity,” Hamann said. “I look forward to working with the team to strengthen client partnerships and drive the next phase of growth.”

Minnitt said the appointments reflect Aon’s continued investment in leadership across Southeast Asia, ensuring the firm remains well positioned to support clients’ evolving needs in a rapidly changing environment.