John Zern is President and CEO of Ryan Specialty Benefits, which focuses on wholesale benefits brokerage and managing underwriting capabilities to serve the needs of the retail brokerage community. John Zern joined Ryan Specialty to develop Ryan Specialty Benefits at the beginning of 2021.

Prior to joining Ryan Specialty, John served as CEO, Global Health Solutions & CEO, North America: Commercial Risk and Health Solutions for Aon from 2014 to 2020. Previously, he acted as Aon’s Executive Vice President and Global Health Leader. Before his time with Aon, John was Senior Vice President of Marsh & McLennan Companies Health business, and he began his career as an account executive for Aetna.

For over 30 years, John has worked with clients on health and risk strategies spanning healthcare reform, intellectual property, wellness, cyber, pharmacy, data analytics, claim and employee advocacy, clinical capabilities and private health exchanges.  He has worked closely with insurance company leaders to build innovative solutions addressing some of the biggest challenges facing employers.

John Zern received his bachelor’s degree in History and Business from Xavier University, and he serves as a board member for The Leapfrog Group and NorthShore University HealthSystem.