Willis appoints new regional chief executive

Willis has appointed Toby Wemyss as regional chief executive of the group’s Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa operations.

Wemyss will be based in London and report to Tim Wright, chief executive of Willis International.

Wemyss will be responsible for more than 400 staff in offices spanning nine countries, as well as managing Willis’s partnership with Gras Savoye in Africa and the Middle East.

Wemyss has worked for Willis since the beginning of his insurance career. He joined the group’s construction, property & casualty (CPC) division in 2000, following a period of military service with the Royal Marines. Over the last twelve years he has held a number of roles within CPC, including head of the terrorism practice, co-regional director of the Asia-Pacific team, chief operating officer, managing director and most recently, chief executive.

Wemyss will be replaced by Gianmarco Tosti, currently managing director of Faber Global, the facultative and wholesale broking unit of Willis Group. Tosti will report to CPC’s executive chairman, John Forder.

Wright said: “Toby’s strong leadership skills and deep knowledge and understanding of our business makes him ideally positioned to take on this regional role. As CEO of Construction, Property and Casualty he has delivered exceptional growth through working closely with the International businesses, and his broad experience in the European, Middle Eastern and African insurance markets will ensure we maximise opportunities to help Willis further develop its footprint in these dynamic territories.”

Wemyss succeeds outgoing regional chief executive Scott Pickering, who leaves the group to take up a new role as chief executive of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in New Zealand on 1^st May.

Ryck Genis, currently executive director of Willis South Africa, will take over Pickering’s duties as chief executive, Willis South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, he will report directly to Wemyss.