LONDON, Dec. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Seth Peller to the newly created role of Global Head of Casualty. The role is effective January 2014.

Based in New York and reporting to Dominic Samengo-Turner, Global Head of Broking and Products, Peller will look to build Willis' Casualty portfolio, and help ensure Willis connects all of its resources to offer clients a holistic solution.

Working closely with other industry and product heads, and the retail leadership in individual regions and countries, Peller will build a team of Casualty experts and establish a stronger, more coordinated regional casualty presence in the various territories in which Willis operates.

Casualty joins the list of global product areas previously announced by Willis in October; Property, Political Risk, Kidnap & Ransom, Financial Institutions (FI), Professional Indemnity (PI) and D&O.

Commenting on the appointment, Samengo-Turner said: "Seth brings considerable experience from his wholesale, placement and international work and is well positioned to develop our global casualty business. Seth and the other global product leaders will work with the newly appointed global heads of industry and with existing regional and office leaders around Willis to bring the full breadth of Willis' expertise and capabilities to clients around the world."

Peller said: "The focus for Casualty will be in North America, but this move represents a great opportunity to further develop the business globally. I will be building a team that uses Willis´ Casualty expertise to develop new and enhance existing client relationships across all targeted industries. Working with global carriers through our centres of excellence will enable us to bring innovative product development to best meet our clients' needs."

Peller will leave his position as CEO of Willis Argentina, which he took up in March 2011. He will be succeeded in that role by Ruben Signorini, CEO of Willis Re Argentina. Seth has more than 20 years' experience in the insurance industry and has held senior roles with Willis in Brazil and North America.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,500 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.