Willis Group Holdings said it has named Gary Schmalzriedtchairman of Willis Re, the company's reinsurance arm, effectiveimmediately.

Mr. Schmalzriedt, whose background includes 40 years ofinternational insurance management experience, was chairman andchief executive officer of ACE Overseas General before becoming anindustry consultant in 2006.

Commenting on Mr. Schmalzriedt's appointment, Joe Plumeri,chairman and chief executive officer of Willis, noted that underWillis Re CEO Peter Hearn the company's reinsurance business hasgrown significantly in recent years.

He said in a statement that he expected growth and developmentof enhanced service to clients will be continued by “leveraging”Mr. Schmalzriedt's “tremendous industry expertise and outstandingbusiness relationships.”

Mr. Hearn said that Mr. Schmalzriedt will “draw upon hisoutstanding track record in the international arena as we continueto expand our network across the globe.”

Mr. Schmalzriedt was responsible for ACE's Internationaloperations from July 2003 to September 2006. He joined ACE in 1999as part of the acquisition of CIGNA's International P&COperations and was named president and CEO of ACE Bermuda beforemoving to ACE Overseas General in 2003.

Before joining ACE he was chairman and CEO of CIGNA of EuropeS.A. N.V., and earlier was responsible for CIGNA's InternationalP&C Operations. He began his career with American InternationalUnderwriters (AIU), a division of AIG, and over 18 years with thecompany was responsible for managing all of AIG's InternationalP&C operations and AIU's operations in South Africa.

Mr. Schmalzriedt replaces Graham Millwater, who held thepositions of chairman and CEO of Willis Re until his promotion topresident of London-headquartered Willis Group this year.