Willis wholesale unit chief departs for Lloyd’s start-up

Willis has promoted Alistair Lester to become the new chief executive of its Faber Global facultative and wholesale reinsurance arm.

He replaces Jason Howard who is leaving after three years at the helm to become chief executive of Willis-backed Lloyd’s start-up Acappella Group.

Acappella is funded by Willis and US insurance group Ironshore.

Lester joined Willis in 2004, initially as head of the European mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice and then as international head of M&A. Most recently he was chief executive of Willis Netherlands.

In his new role, Lester will report to Willis Global chief executive Steve Hearn.

Hearn said: “Alistair brings a wealth of global client expertise, essential to continuing Faber’s impressive growth in international markets.”

Lester added: “I look forward to building on Faber’s strong growth record.”

In addition to hiring Howard from Willis, Acappella has appointed David Indge from Lloyd’s as chief underwriting officer. Indge was previously head of underwriting performance in the performance management directorate at Lloyd’s.