Willis Re in jobs reshuffle

Willis Re is changing its business model in the face of worldwide reinsurance changes and the threat of Solvency II regulation.

It is:

• Combining its international and specialty network into a single business unit
• Joining its US and Bermuda operations in a new North America group
• Combining its analytics and operational teams on a global basis.

Peter Hearn, chief executive officer of Willis Re said: “Driven by the evolving needs of our clients, the lines between reinsurance broking, analytics and our other offerings have blurred in recent years and continue to converge.

“A variety of market factors, including regulatory changes such as Solvency II, are also driving more consistent needs for our clients, worldwide. Our new structure addresses this reality, and will enhance our ability to provide our clients with industry-leading products and services, wherever they do business.”

“Our structural changes will enhance our ability to tap into Willis Re’s uniquely collaborative culture and harness our best thinking and skills to drive innovation and best-in-class quality for our clients,” he said.

New jobs allocated

Chris Clark and James Vickers have been named chairmen of the new International and Specialty business unit. Clark will focus on new business development for ppecialty and property/casualty business, primarily in the London market and the United States. 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.

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

Paddy Jago has been named president of Willis Re, and will lead Global Sales and Growth. While continuing to produce business and maintain key client relationships in the United States, the London Market and internationally, Jago will work to further the development of Willis Re’s global sales model with Willis Group’s global growth initiative.

Jim Bradshaw will take on the role of CEO of Willis Re’s new North America Group, and will be responsible for aligning Willis Re’s Bermuda operation more closely with its US operation. James Kent is named managing director of Willis Re Bermuda and president of Willis Re North America.

Rowan Douglas becomes CEO of Global Analytics. Douglas also will maintain his leadership of the Willis Research Network.

Yves Provencher is named managing director of Global Analytics, responsible for driving greater coordination in product development and ensuring consistent quality of products and output.Willis Re is changing its business model in the face of worldwide reinsurance changes and the threat of Solvency II regulation.