LONDON, April 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH ), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed David Martin as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Willis Limited, the Willis Group's principal UK regulated entity. The appointment takes effect in May and is subject to FCA approval.
Martin succeeds Steve Hearn as CEO and takes over responsibility for all governance, financial, operational, human resources and regulatory matters for Willis Limited. Hearn, who remains Deputy CEO of Willis Group and Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, will continue as a member of the Willis Limited Board. In his new role Martin will report to Rodney Baker-Bates, Chairman of Willis Limited.
In January, Martin was appointed Chairman and CEO of Willis's insurance business in the UK in a move which brought together Willis's Global Specialty insurance business with the Willis UK retail business. He continues in this role, reporting to Hearn.
Prior to joining Willis in 2013, Martin was at Zurich Insurance Group, where he led global sales and distribution for Zurich's general insurance business. Prior to that he spent 16 years with AON, where he was Managing Director of UK Corporate.
Commenting on the appointment, Baker-Bates said: "I wish to thank Steve for his leadership of Willis Limited and his immense contribution to the company since his appointment as CEO in July 2012. I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue working alongside Steve as he takes up a position on the Willis Limited Board. In David we have found a truly worthy successor."
Hearn added: "I'm deeply honoured and privileged to have served as CEO of Willis Limited, working alongside such dedicated and highly-experienced insurance industry leaders. I wish to thank Rodney for his exceptional leadership and Chairmanship of the Board during my tenure. David's extensive knowledge of commercial insurance markets in the UK and his wider global experience makes him the ideal candidate to grow Willis's business in the UK with a special focus on matching UK client needs with Willis' world-class specialty expertise."
Martin said: "Key to Willis's success is our ability to bring together our industry expertise with our excellent risk advisory and broking capabilities. I am looking forward to further developing that capability within Willis Limited for the benefit of our clients globally."
About Willis
Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com , our leadership journal, Resilience , or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire . Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.
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