Source: Willis Towers Watson

Willis Names New Human Capital and Benefits CEO for Western Europe

LONDON, March 31, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Raymond Brood as CEO of its new Human Capital and Benefits (HCB) practice for Western Europe.

The appointment, effective from May 1, is the first regional leadership role to be announced after the formation of the global HCB practice earlier this year.

Raymond, who joins from an employee benefits leadership role with Mercer, will unite and coordinate all existing employee benefits and related consulting businesses across Willis in Western Europe.

Tim Wright, CEO of Willis International and leader of the global HCB practice said: "We are delighted to have Raymond joining us, and look forward to welcoming him to our European and HCB leadership team. He brings a great depth of experience developing all kinds of employee benefit solutions across diverse European markets."

Alberto Gallego, CEO of Willis Western Europe, said:

"Human Capital and Benefits is a key growth priority for Western Europe. We already have a great business and talented professionals which provide Raymond with much to build on."

Raymond Brood said:

"This is a great opportunity to help Willis's clients to manage a wide array of challenges. With demographic changes and the shift of social security from state to individual, managing human capital and employee benefits will be a strategic focal point on the agenda of all companies. More than ever, doing this right will be the key to the sustainable success of companies, both globally and locally."

Raymond started his career at ABN and worked at Aegon, MeesPierson and Fortis. In 2003 he joined Mercer as Head of Group Benefits and in 2005 was appointed to both the Dutch leadership group and the European Health and Benefits leadership group. Raymond was a senior partner at Mercer and member of the Benelux Leadership team. He holds a law degree from the University of Rotterdam.

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 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.