AON Names Knight as Non-Executive Chairman to Succeed Ryan

Lester B. Knight, an independent director since 1999, has been elected non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Aon Corporation. Knight, 50, succeeds Patrick G. Ryan, Aon's Executive Chairman and founder, who previously announced his intention to retire on August 1, 2008. Aon is the world's largest insurance and reinsurance intermediary, and a global leader in human capital consulting.

Source: Source: AON | Published on July 23, 2008

Knight is a founding and managing partner of RoundTable Healthcare Partners, a healthcare-focused private equity investment firm. Prior to RoundTable, he was the Chairman and CEO of Allegiance Corporation. In addition, Knight serves as a Trustee of Northwestern University, and as a director of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare and Junior Achievement of Chicago.

Andy McKenna, Aon's lead director and chair of the ad hoc Nominating Committee, commented, "Aon's choice of an independent non-Executive Chairman is consistent with best governance practices of leading global firms. The Aon family and our shareholders should be confident in Lester's ability to sustain the independent oversight of their interests."

Ryan noted, "As I have remarked many times since announcing my retirement earlier this year, Aon is extremely well-positioned for growth and success under the leadership of Greg Case and his management team. Our Board has never been more excited about the future of Aon. Lester is a wonderful choice and will ensure continued close collaboration between the Board and management."

Knight said, "I am gratified to serve Aon's shareholders in a new capacity and want to thank Pat, Andy and the Board for honoring me with this opportunity. I look forward to working with the Board, Greg and the management team to ensure Aon continues to strengthen and extend its position of global market leadership."

About Aon

Aon Corporation is a leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting.