Howden has appointed John Zern as vice chairman of health and benefits in its US business.
His new remit includes growing the firm’s presence among employers and helping to shape its US strategy.
Zern brings more than 35 years of experience leading employee benefits and property-casualty businesses. At Aon, he was CEO for global health solutions and before that was a senior vice president at Marsh. He started his career at Aetna as an account executive.
His most recent role, however, was at Ryan Specialty Benefits, where was president and chief executive.
Mike Parrish, chief executive of Howden Americas, said Zern’s experience of building and scaling benefits businesses will prove instrumental as we provide health and benefits offerings that set new standards.
“Attracting leaders of John’s calibre is how we keep raising the bar for clients,” he added.
Zern said that employers are under pressure to deliver benefits that work for their people while addressing the increased healthcare spend.
“I’m excited to advance an already distinctive health and benefits business with an exceptional team that breaks from the industry’s status quo by giving our clients the clarity and control they need, backed by the scale and expertise of a truly global platform.”
