Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm specializing in risk, retirement, and health solutions, has appointed Neelay Patel as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malaysia, effective March 2026, subject to regulatory processes. This strategic leadership appointment comes as Aon continues to expand its integrated advisory and solutions footprint across Southeast Asia and help organisations navigate evolving risk and people challenges.

In his new role, Neelay will lead Aon’s business in Malaysia across Commercial Risk Solutions, Health Solutions, Talent Solutions, and Wealth Solutions, working closely with regional solution line leaders to align priorities, strengthen execution, and deliver integrated client outcomes.

He will report to Andrew Minnitt, Head of Southeast Asia, and is set to relocate from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to drive Aon’s next phase of growth and client engagement in the region. The appointment underscores Aon’s focus on building strong regional leadership to support ambitious growth and deepen client trust in a rapidly changing risk environment.

Neelay brings over 20 years of risk management and insurance experience, including more than a decade steering commercial strategy and growth initiatives across Asia. Since joining Aon in 2014, he has played a central role in advancing the firm’s growth agenda, most recently serving as Head of Growth, Asia, where he helped expand the firm’s market reach and capabilities across client segments.

Before his tenure at Aon, Neelay worked at Lockton in both Australia and London, supporting large multinational clients across diverse industries. His career spans senior roles across Singapore, Australia, London, and Malaysia, giving him a deep understanding of the region’s diverse client needs and opportunities ahead. “I’m honoured to return to Malaysia to lead Aon’s business at a time when clients are navigating increasingly connected and complex risk and people challenges,” said Neelay Patel.

“I look forward to working with our talented colleagues to bring the best of Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities to clients — helping them make better decisions, build resilience, and achieve sustainable growth.”