Aon's focus on identifying global opportunities in emerging markets will strengthen its ability to drive future growth, build innovative products, develop talent and deliver shareholder value. Aon believes this move will also have several near- and long-term financial benefits, including increased financial flexibility and improved capital allocation. As the proportion of Aon's revenue from international operations continues to grow, the ability to allocate capital for investment and growth will be vital to the firm's continued success.
As part of this move, Chicago will continue as headquarters of the Americas for Aon and will benefit from significant investment and local job growth.
Building on its base of 6,000 employees in Chicagoland, Aon will be moving 750 jobs into the Aon Center in downtown Chicago where the company recently signed a letter-of-intent for a 15-year lease. "Chicago is the foundation of one of our most important markets, and as the headquarters of the
Americas will continue to be central to the success of the firm," said CEO Greg Case. Aon plans to add more than 1,000 positions across its U.S. operations in 2012 based on continued growth and investment opportunities. The move will not cause job loss in either Chicago or the U.S.
Case added, "The decisions we make today will help drive our global strategy and strengthen our growth opportunities in the years to come. The continued investment in our international operations and emerging markets is important to the growth of our firm.