Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Joshua O’Connor has become a recognized name in Canada’s construction insurance space. As senior vice president and account executive at Aon, his leadership in its construction and infrastructure practice has driven consistent growth, anchored by a client-first philosophy and a strong sense of responsibility to the broader industry.
Insurance Business Canada named O’Connor a Rising Star for 2025, recognizing his early-career impact. The year before, he received Aon’s North America Q4 Living Our Values award, which highlights internal mentorship and ethical leadership. For seven consecutive years, he has ranked among Aon’s top performers, earning the firm’s Summit North Award annually, a reflection of production and consistency.
O’Connor oversees a large and diverse book of business that includes general contractors, mechanical and electrical trades, civil contractors, and specialists. He also serves the broader construction community through board involvement with the Barrie Construction Association and active participation in the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada.
“My attitude toward my role is that the risk environment is consistently changing AND getting more complex, and the construction industry needs our advice more than ever to make better decisions,” he says.
Although his career trajectory has followed a deliberate path, it has also benefited from timing. The insurance sector has faced the simultaneous pressures of talent gaps and market volatility. O’Connor saw both as opportunities. He says, “My timing has been fortunate as the industry has needed to develop younger talent to succeed an aging workforce retiring.”
Over the past decade, he has taken on increasingly complex client portfolios, using each experience to strengthen his technical skill set and leadership instincts. Relationship building stands out as his most defining strength. He collaborates across teams and positions risk advisory as a forward-looking advantage for clients.
“Continuous learning, treating others kindly, and a focus on clear communication” are, in his words, the foundation of his success. That mindset resonates in how he mentors junior colleagues, supports industry education, and approaches evolving challenges in both the insurance and construction sectors.
Volatility, in fact, has been the throughline of his work – a challenge and a proving ground. From inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions to evolving risk profiles on large infrastructure projects, O’Connor has built a reputation for calm, informed advice. He does not claim perfection but prioritizes action: “Managing my time can be a challenge; that said, I think prioritizing the most tasks to start your days and week and not shying away from putting in extra time is important.”
The Rising Star recognition hasn’t shifted his core focus. If anything, it’s reinforced it. He remains committed to helping clients understand risk and empowering them to act on it decisively and strategically.
While others in his position might eye the next title, O’Connor is focused on impact. And that may be what positions him for long-term leadership, possibly at a national level, as someone who blends emotional intelligence with results-driven pragmatism.
20 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2N9
705 321 6570
joshua.oconnor@aon.ca
linkedin.com/in/oconnorjosh
www.aon.com
Joshua O’Connor
Senior Vice President, Account Executive – Construction and Infrastructure Practice Aon Canada
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2013
2017
2019
2024
2025
Entered the insurance industry
2013
Associate Account Executive at Aon
2017
Account Executive at Aon
2019
Senior Vice President, Account Executive at Aon
2024
Appointed Manager, Management Liability and Crime
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.