NU Online News Service, June 30, 1:15 p.m. EDT

Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of the global insurance brokerWillis Group Holdings, has appointed James Byng as resource groupleader for its international and specialty reinsurance business,the company announced.

Mr. Byng will aid in the coordination of Willis Re teams thatdevise an array of property reinsurance programs for regional,national and global insurers and reinsurers.

He will integrate and enhance the use of alternative riskfinancing tools and catastrophe and financial modeling serviceswithin Willis Re's property business, Willis said.

Mr. Byng will also help to drive the company's development ofnew property products.

Mr. Byng has been with Willis for 23 years and is currentlymanaging director for Willis Re's Japanese business, which will nowbe run by Willis Re Tokyo Chief Executive Officer Yuji Takahashiand Chief Operating Officer James Beedie.

Mr. Byng will assume his new position on August 1 and will bebased in London. He will report to Jason Howard, chief executiveofficer of Willis Re International & Specialty.