LONDON, June 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Bill Froggatt to lead a political and trade credit risks practice in Melbourne, Australia. Froggatt will report into the Financial Solutions Asia Pacific operation, which is headquartered in Singapore.
Froggatt joins Willis from the banking sector where, over the past 30 years, he has held various senior positions including Head of Trade Finance (EMEA) for Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited, the Global Head of Commodity Trade & Transaction Services for ANZ Banking Group, and most recently the Head of Northern Hemisphere Trade for the Westpac Banking Corporation.
Over the past five years the Australian loan market has accounted for roughly a third of total Asia Pacific loan volumes (excluding Japan), ranking higher (by loan volume) than Hong Kong, India, China and Singapore.
Commenting on the appointment, Paul Davidson, CEO of Willis Financial Solutions, said: "Bill's experience with financial institutions represents a significant opportunity for the Willis Group and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. We have long held the view that the Australian financial market has not been as well served in the political and credit risk insurance arena as it could be, a situation which we are now able to remedy. Willis's presence worldwide and our deep industry specific insights ideally position us to offer a seamless and truly global service to the global and regional banking community."
Froggatt added: "I am excited and honoured to be joining the Willis Group and in particular the Financial Solutions team in Australia. Financial services companies in Australia are looking for new risk management solutions to support their businesses. With best in class analytical capabilities and a peerless global network, Willis is ideally placed to help them succeed."
Willis started operations in Melbourne, Australia in 1958. Today Willis has nine offices across Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Willis Financial Solutions specialists are based in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, Copenhagen, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Sao Paolo.
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.