Willis Re Announces Structural And Management Changes

NU Online News Service, Oct. 14, 3:15 p.m. EDT

Reinsurance broker Willis Re in New York announced it has made a series of chief executive appointments and other management changes as part of a new organizational structure.

The subsidiary of Ireland-domiciled insurance brokerage Willis Group Holdings Ltd. said it is combining its International and Specialty network into a single business unit to better enable it to provide a full range of resources and capabilities in all of the geographies in which it operates.

The reinsurance brokerage said it also is more closely aligning its U.S. and Bermuda operations in a new North America group. In support of these changes, it will unify its Analytics and Operational teams on a global basis. Lines between reinsurance broking, analytics and the firm's other offerings "have blurred in recent years and continue to converge," said Peter Hearn, chief executive officer of Willis Re.

As part of the reorganization, the firm announced leadership appointments.

It said Chris Clark and James Vickers have been named chairmen of the new International and Specialty business unit.

Mr. Clark will focus on new business development for Specialty and Property/Casualty business, primarily in the London market and the United States. Mr. Vickers will focus on new business development in other markets, especially in Japan and across Asia, and will serve as the primary client advocate on several large global accounts. He will also be responsible for Willis Re's global branding and marketing.

Also within the International and Specialty unit, Jason Howard has been appointed CEO, with responsibility for integrating the two formerly separate businesses.

Paddy Jago was named president of Willis Re and to lead global sales and growth. While continuing to produce business and maintain key client relationships in the United States, the London Market and internationally, Mr. Jago will work to further development of Willis Re's global sales model, the company said.

Consistent with the approach being taken across the International and Specialty network, Willis Re said Jim Bradshaw will take on the role of CEO of its new North America Group and will be responsible for aligning Willis Re's Bermuda operation more closely with its U.S. operation to leverage the combined resources of these businesses.

James Kent was named managing director of Willis Re Bermuda and president of Willis Re North America.

Rowan Douglas was named CEO of Global Analytics. Mr. Douglas also will maintain leadership of the Willis Research Network, the company said.

Yves Provencher was named managing director of Global Analytics, responsible for driving greater coordination in product development and ensuring consistent quality of products and output.