Every now and then, a leadership announcement comes across the wire that makes you sit up and take notice. It’s not just about a new name on an office door; it’s about the direction a major player is signaling for a critical industry.
That’s exactly what happened when Aon announced their new global leader for the food, agribusiness, and beverage (FAB) sector. This isn't just another corner of the insurance world. Think about it—this sector is responsible for literally everything we eat and drink. The risks involved are massive, complex, and affect every single one of us.
So, when a firm like Aon puts a new person at the helm, it’s worth paying attention. Let's talk about who she is and what this move really means.
Meet Susan Doering: Aon’s New FAB Leader
Aon has tapped Susan Doering to be its new global food, agribusiness, and beverage leader. While the change won't officially take effect until January 1, 2026, the wheels are already in motion.
If you’ve been in the industry for a while, her name might ring a bell. Doering is a true veteran, with 30 years of experience under her belt. She’s not new to Aon, either, having joined the firm back in 2024 as an enterprise client leader.
But what I find really interesting is where she was before that. She spent over eight years at Willis Towers Watson as a global client advocate. During her time there, she was deeply involved in helping develop Climate Risk Management solutions.
And that, right there, is a huge clue about why this appointment is so smart.
Why Her Background is a Perfect Fit for Today's Challenges
The FAB sector is on the front lines of some of the world's biggest challenges. We're talking about supply chain chaos, geopolitical instability, and, of course, the massive and unpredictable impacts of climate change.
Think about it:
- Farms are dealing with unprecedented weather patterns.
- Food producers are grappling with soaring energy costs.
- Beverage companies are facing water scarcity issues.
These aren't just abstract problems; they are tangible risks that threaten bottom lines and our global food supply.
Having a leader with a deep background in climate risk isn't just a "nice to have"—it's essential. Doering’s experience shows she understands how to help massive companies navigate these incredibly choppy waters. She’s not just looking at traditional insurance policies; she’s looking at the bigger picture of resilience and long-term strategy.
Her new role will involve leading Aon’s industry strategy and, crucially, sharing data-driven insights with the firm’s largest FAB clients. This is about using Aon's massive pool of data to give clients a real edge in managing their risks.
A Glimpse into Her Focus
You can get a pretty good sense of her approach from what she said about the new role.
She mentioned that "a thriving FAB sector is fundamental for all of us," which is just so true. It’s a great reminder of the real-world importance of the work we do.
She also said she’s grateful for the chance to work with clients as they "navigate emerging challenges in today’s business landscape." That phrase "emerging challenges" is key. It shows she’s focused on what’s next, not just what’s already happened.
I also liked this part: "Since joining Aon, I’ve collaborated with colleagues globally to innovate and deliver solutions to our clients that support their bottom lines, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow that work." This tells us she's already been in the trenches, working on practical solutions, and this new role is a natural extension of that work.
Based in Philadelphia, Doering will be reporting to Petra Schmidt, Aon's global industry leader. It's a clear signal that this sector is a major priority for the firm's top leadership.
All in all, this feels like a very strategic move by Aon. They’ve brought in a seasoned leader with exactly the right kind of experience for the moment we're in. It’ll be fascinating to watch how she shapes Aon's strategy in this vital sector over the next few years. It's a big job, but it looks like they've found the right person for it.
