Ex-AIG chief Sullivan joins Willis

Willis has hired Martin Sullivan - the AIG chief executive forced out just three months before the US government bailout - as deputy chairman of Willis Group Holdings and chairman and chief executive of a new business unit, Willis Global Solutions.

As deputy chairman, based in New York City, he will report to Willis chairman and chief executive Joe Plumeri.

Willis said he willassist in managing and shaping the long term growth strategy for the company. He will also work with Plumeri and other senior leaders as a member of the company’s Executive Committee.

In his role as head of Willis Global Solutions, Sullivan will work with Willis president Grahame Millwater to "develop and manage a differentiated service proposition in the large account sector".

The new unit will part of Willis Global, which is currently headed by Millwater, and will oversee brokerage and risk management advisory services for Willis’s multinational and global accounts.

Plumeri said: “Across the length and breadth of the insurance industry, a client would be hard pressed to find a more experienced or skilled expert than Martin Sullivan.

"Martin’s deep, strong and lasting connections to all segments of the insurance industry will be an enormous asset to Willis, working for our current and future clients in the type of role that has earned him well-deserved recognition over many decades in our business.”

Millwater added: “ In his role as chief executive of Willis Global Solutions, Martin Sullivan will be instrumental in delivering a differentiated proposition to multinational clients whose demands for global services are unmet by larger, less nimble competitors in this sector.”

Sullivan added: “In my four decades in the insurance industry, I have always had great admiration for the Willis organization and am delighted to have the opportunity of joining their senior management team.

"I look forward to working with Joe, Grahame and the team in building Willis Global Solutions into a significant service provider responding to the insurance and risk management needs of major companies around the world.”