Aon appoints Lachlan Bowden and Doug Hurst in education team

Global professional services firm Aon has strengthened its education team with the senior appointments of Lachlan Bowden and Doug Hurst.

Lachlan Bowden has been appointed as leader of the Education practice, responsible for shaping Aon’s education sector strategy and leading its delivery nationally. In this role, he will bring together expertise from across Aon’s education team and broader solution lines to deliver sector-led advice to clients nationwide.

Bowden has more than 15 years of broking experience across Australian and international markets. Since 2022, he has led Aon’s education, faith and public sector team in Melbourne.

Doug Hurst has been appointed portfolio director for education and faith, also effective 1 April 2026. He joins Aon from Everest, where he most recently held the role of senior casualty underwriter and previously held senior roles at Chubb. He brings extensive experience in casualty underwriting and portfolio leadership across Australia and the US markets.

As portfolio director, Hurst will focus on evolving the solutions that underpin Aon’s education and faith offering. Drawing on his underwriting background, he will help shape fit-for-purpose solutions that support education clients in building long-term resilience and confidence in their risk approach.

Commenting on the appointments, Alison Smith, head of national in Australia for Aon, said: “The education sector is at a point where experience, scale and the ability to connect expertise across risk and people really matters. We’re delighted to welcome Lachlan and Doug to these national roles. Their complementary strengths will help education organisations make more confident decisions, address today’s challenges and prepare for what’s ahead.”