32 | theceomagazine.com
I helped the team to leverage our influence,
particularly in the BPO [business process
outsourcing] sector, which continues to grow
each year. Three years ago, Aon Philippines
was rated in the sixth broker position based
on premium and commission volumes. We
are now a clear number two in both sectors,”
Andrew continues. “We are the strongest
international broker in the Philippines and
the largest and most successful broker in the
health and benefits sector.”
Its parent company, Aon plc, is a leading
global professional services firm providing a
broad range of risk, retirement and health
solutions, through more than 50,000
colleagues in 120 countries. “Our clients look
to us for global insights that educate and
inspire them to think differently about their
business,” says Andrew. “We employ doctors
on staff locally to add credibility and
expertise, and we invest approximately
US$400 million globally into proprietary data
and analytics, allowing us to give our clients
the best advice. We’re internationally capable,
but locally aware. Because of this, we have a
97 per cent client retention rate. Our clients
are loyal because we foster trust.”
Andrew’s leadership philosophy stems
from his time in the South African militaryand on sportsfields. “I look to teamwork and
strength-based leadership more than anything
else. I surround myself with strong-willed
people who complement what I do, rather
than just trying to do it all myself,” says
Andrew. “I lead by example and I’m not
afraid to get my hands dirty.”
Andrew is also committed to maintaining
a balance between work and play. “Filipinos
are social and fun-loving people, so I host
town hall meetings in a cinema near to
where we do business and then we have a
hot dog and watch a movie together. I pay
attention to the wellbeing of my people as
much as I do the top or bottom line. This is
reflected in last year’s employee engagement
survey where we scored 76 per cent, the
second-highest score in Aon globally. This
year, we’ve set a target of 80 per cent.
“In terms of our future strategy, as the
saying goes, ‘Why fix something if it ain’t
broken?’ We’ve climbed from sixth to second
position in just three years, so our tactics are
working well and we will continue to refine
them,” explains Andrew.
“Under the new administration, the
Philippine economy is ripe with
developmental opportunities, and we are
focused on improving our position within
the BPO sector where we have a clear
differentiated offering for customers. From
an idealistic standpoint, I see potential for us
to add further value to the community in
general health and wellness. I hope that the
interventions we make with our clients and
their employees will reach their families,
benefiting generations to come.”“I pay attention to the
wellbeing of my people
as much as I do the top
or bottom line.”
INSPIRE | Interview