Aon Recruits Pratscher from WTW's Newfront to Lead Middle Market P&C

Aon tapped Lauren Pratscher to lead its middle market property and casualty broking operation as chief broking officer. Pratscher most recently served as head of casualty placement at Newfront, the digital distribution platform WTW acquired in 2026.

Her background runs through two of the other major brokers. Pratscher spent 11 years at Marsh, rising to corporate casualty placement leader and later North Central casualty growth leader. Earlier in her career she worked in the risk management group of a Chicago-based retail real estate investment trust.

The hire looks like a straightforward poach of a seasoned broker from a competitor. Aon gains someone with more than two decades of carrier and client relationships in the casualty space.

Look deeper. Aon's choice to bring in a leader from Newfront, a tech-forward platform that WTW bought for its digital distribution and data analytics, signals the firm wants to blend traditional broking with newer tools. Middle market P&C has grown more competitive as brokers push specialized coverage and data-driven underwriting. Newfront's model relied on efficiency and analytics, capabilities Aon may look to replicate in that segment.

The appointment also reshuffles the talent deck at the other large players. WTW, still integrating Newfront, loses a senior casualty placement executive. Marsh loses a veteran but has a deep bench in casualty broking.

WTW carries an AlphaScala Score of 41, classified as Mixed. The score reflects the firm's growth trajectory and the integration challenges ahead. For more on WTW, see the WTW stock page.

Pratscher takes on the role immediately, reporting to Aon's middle market P&C leadership.