LONDON, Nov. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Nicolas Aubert as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Designate of Willis UK Insurance, which includes its combined UK retail and global specialty businesses.
While initially serving as CEO Designate in 2015, Aubert will report to Steve Hearn, Deputy CEO of Willis Group and current CEO of Willis UK Insurance. Following a transition period and the confirmation of regulatory approvals, Aubert will take up the position as CEO of Willis UK Insurance in order to lead the expansion of Willis's insurance business in the UK, reporting to Willis Group CEO Dominic Casserley. Steve Hearn will continue in his role as Group Deputy CEO.
Aubert is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of American International Group (AIG) in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and formerly Managing Director of AIG in the UK. As Managing Director of AIG in the UK, Aubert led one of the largest companies specialising in the UK business insurance market and the London market, with offices located throughout the country.
After joining AIG in June 2002 Aubert served in various senior management positions, including Managing Director of Southern Europe, where he oversaw operations in 12 countries.
Prior to AIG, Aubert worked in various leadership positions at ACE, CIGNA, GAN and GENERALI. He holds a specialised Masters degree in Insurance Law (DESS Assurances) from Pantheon-Sorbonne University of Paris and an MBA from the French High Insurance Studies Center (CHEA).
Commenting on the appointment, Dominic Casserley said: "Nicolas's wealth of specialty and retail experience in the UK and abroad, combined with his strong technical knowledge of the market and the evolving needs of complex clients, make him the ideal candidate to drive forward the continued growth of Willis's business in the UK. I look forward to working with him closely in the months and years ahead."
Aubert added: "Willis's business in the UK is built around an incredible pool of talent. I am eager to get to work drawing on all of this experience and knowledge to help Willis's clients with innovative and custom-built risk management solutions. I am excited by the Group's strategic approach of focusing on the unique needs of clients while providing them access to the full range of insurance products and risk management services that define Willis as the connected, analytical broker."
Commenting on the appointment, Steve Hearn said: "I am delighted that Nicolas is to join Willis, and look forward to working closely with him in our UK business through the coming period of transition and beyond. Nicolas is a leader in our industry and a great addition to our senior team."
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.