LONDON, July 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE: WSH ), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has welcomed Maximo Saravi as Head of its Human Capital and Benefits (HCB) practice in Latin America.
Maximo, who is now based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has joined Willis from the headquarters of MetLife in New York City, where he worked with multinational companies on regional and global employee benefits solutions in his role as Vice President, Global Strategies and Sales.
The newly created Latin American role reflects Willis' growing focus on HCB and its commitment to the region, where it sees economic development and demographic shifts as strong drivers for future growth. The position is the second regional HCB leadership role to be announced, following Raymond Brood's appointment in May to cover Western Europe.
Tim Wright, CEO of Willis International, and leader of the global HCB practice, said: "The human capital and benefits sector is a key focus for Willis, and I'm delighted that Maximo is joining the leadership of our growing global practice. We see great potential in the Latin American markets, both from multinationals looking to invest in the region and from the increasingly important domestic 'multilatinas' expanding overseas. Maximo has a strong background in working closely with global companies to optimise their employee benefits and will boost our existing presence in the region."
Luis Maurette, Regional CEO of Willis Latin America, said: "Maximo's experience represents a significant opportunity for Willis LatAm and I'd like to welcome him into the team. Human capital and benefits are already important for our region but we want to create a stronger and sharper focus to extend our presence in this high-growth market. The creation of a regional practice provides a forum to develop a regional strategy, and to share ideas and best practices."
Maximo Saravi, Head of HCB in Latin America, said: "I'm excited to join a very strong team in Latin America and to help shape the future of the Willis human capital and benefits practice in the region, and also globally. As the world continues to integrate both economically and socially, and companies become more globalised, Willis has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its local presence and provide true regional and global employee benefits solutions."
Prior to his role with Metlife, Maximo worked in leadership roles in Argentina, Uruguay and the Caribbean with Alico/AIG.
The Willis HCB practice includes pensions and retirement planning, healthcare, group risk and life cover. It also comprises a range of consultative services such as compliance, data analytics, communications, wellness and human resource consulting.
About Willis
Willis has a strong footprint in Latin America, with fully owned subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, and a strong network of correspondents in the majority of the region's remaining countries.
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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