Profile
Chris McLean serves as the managing director and national leader for Aon’s construction & infrastructure (C&I) practice in Canada. In this role, he is at the heart of client relationships and business strategy, guiding a team of senior insurance and surety leaders across Aon offices nationwide. He’s not only responsible for driving results but also for fostering a collaborative, client-focused culture within the team. He is also a key member of Aon’s Global C&I Leadership team, working alongside industry leaders like James MacNeal to shape the future of construction and infrastructure solutions worldwide.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, McLean brings both expertise and a personal touch to his work. Since joining Aon in 2004 as a broker, he’s taken on a variety of roles, including account executive, C&I Vancouver leader, and C&I Western leader. This breadth of experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing clients in this sector.
McLean has worked closely with large general contractors, consultants, multinational organizations, and property development firms. He’s played a hands-on role in numerous P3 projects across Canada and is well known for helping clients navigate the complexities of contractual risk. Above all, he is passionate about building strong relationships and delivering real value, whether he’s supporting clients, mentoring colleagues, or collaborating with partners across the industry.
551 Ridgecrest Dr, Madison, MS 39110
888 823 3567
casmith@higginbotham.net
linkedin.com/in/calebsmith2
higginbotham.com
Chris McLean
Managing Director and National Leader – Construction and Infrastructure
Aon
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2016–2018
2018–2023
2024
2024–2026
2022–present
Financial Analyst, Worldwide Commercial Operations and Global Marketing at Align Technology: developed business cases and financial models for new products and global marketing initiatives; helped launch the Advantage Doctor Loyalty Program; managed a $60M marketing budget with less than 2% variance
2016–2018
Vice President, Corporate Development at Refuge Group: led portfolio restructuring, including 12 acquisitions and divestitures; enhanced profitability and stability; structured strategic partnership with Higginbotham
2018–2023
Director, Program Development at Higginbotham: created Fortress Affinity Management, Higginbotham’s affinity distribution and program platform
2024
Managing Director, Program Development at Fortress Affinity Management (Higginbotham): scaled specialty insurance platforms through proprietary distribution, technology, and product development; founding board member of via by Higginbotham
2024–2026
Managing Director at Euclid Transactional
2022–present
Milestones
“By focusing on doing the best possible job for every client, they naturally tell their friends and family. That organic growth has been very rewarding”
Alan Borthwick,
DUX Financial Services
“Our goal is not to speed up transactions but to slow down where it matters, taking the time to truly understand each client’s situation and deliver thoughtful, personalised guidance”
Alan Borthwick,
DUX Financial Services
youtube.com/@summitpw
facebook.com/summitprivatewealth
instagram.com/summit.wealth
x.com/SummitPrivate
Rising Stars 2026 JUDGE