Technology & IT | Wednesday 29 April, 2015 6:36 am |

Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk management business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), congratulates its clients that were recognized by Business Insurance’s 2015 Risk Manager of the Year awards program. Kathleen M. Ireland from IBM Corp. took top honors as the 2015 Risk Manager of the Year along with Laurent Barbagli from Lafarge and Brian Merkley from Huntsman Corporation who were named to the award’s Honor Roll. All recipients were recognized today at a breakfast held during the annual RIMS conference in New Orleans.

“Kathleen’s transformation of the global risk and insurance department at IBM began the day she started in this role,” said Janine Smith, managing director at Aon Risk Solutions. “Her voice is heard and respected throughout IBM, as her counsel is often called upon during pivotal decisions about the company’s advancements. Kathleen’s straightforward and patient communication with her peers and insurance company professionals has helped IBM’s business succeed.”

Ireland has elevated the risk manager position by building a risk management strategy through a Center of Excellence. She has made the identification and mitigation of risk a part of IBM’s everyday culture, increasing the focus on loss prevention and employee education. Under her leadership, the company has seen a reduction in their total cost of risk in addition to benefitting from more comprehensive and consistent coverage.

As Honor Roll recipients, Barbagli and Merkley’s accomplishments stand out amongst their peers. Barbagli has embraced his role as a risk manager. He has structured and developed a comprehensive and effective risk management function, conducted successful cost optimization programs as well as built important synergies with other key risk functions within the Lafarge organization. Similarly, Merkley of Huntsman was recognized for his tireless drive toward risk improvement across a variety of areas – most notably major global chemical company acquisitions and the ability to build collaborative relationships with key partners. He also has a strong passion for championing enterprise risk management and a willingness to give back to others through his profession.

“We are thrilled for the recognition that our clients have received from such a prestigious industry award,” said Tom Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of Aon Risk Solutions' U.S. Retail operations. “Aon continually offers support and guidance to ensure it empowers clients to be innovative, creative and driven towards success.”

Business Insurance’s Risk Manager of the Year Award was created to increase the recognition of outstanding performance in the practice of risk management. Candidates are nominated by others within his or her professional network including superiors, the risk management staff of the candidate’s organization and both internal and external colleagues.