NEW YORK–Willis Group Holdings' new chief executivehas provided a sign of continuity, following the principalsof former CEO Joe Plumeri on the issue of contingentcommissions–on a case-by-case basis.

In a press conference prior to the insurance brokerage firm'sInvestor Day, CEO Dominic Casserley says when it comes tocontingents the firm will continue to operate under threeprincipals: they are in the client's best interest; theyare transparent to the client, they are sustainable from aregulatory standard.

However, he ruled out “simple volume based contingents” becausethey do not pass the first test. He notes that last year when thefirm decided it would take contingents on employee benefits business Willisdiscussed the issue with clients and carriers and a decision wasreached that it would be in their best interest.

Discussing his strategy for the firm, Casserley says that withWillis' broad reach of business on many continents, and fourbusiness groups (North America, Global, Reinsurance and Specialty)the firm has much potential to grow and he expects revenues toexpand in the mid-single digits. He says the emphasis needs to gobeyond placing products for a customer and deal with managingrisk—which clients are demanding.

“The whole world of risk is becoming more analytical,” saysCasserley. “The client demand for analysis has gone way up.”

Since coming to the firm after working at McKinsey & Co. forclose to 30 years, he says he has gotten to know Willis much betterand “is more excited” about the talent and capabilities. Hebelieves the areas of growth will be North America, Brazil andChina.

The company can grow further with the acquisition of GrasSavoye, the major French brokerage firm it has a 30 percent stakein, if “the numbers work.” The acquisition would open additionalopportunities for Willis including Africa. Willis has an agreementto make a decision about the purchase Gras Savoye's remainingshares by 2016.