Willis Names Christine LaSala Chair, Willis North America


NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Christine LaSala, Chair, Willis North America. Ms. LaSala joined Willis in July 2014, and since October 2014 has been serving as Willis's Global Head of Client Advocacy, a role she will retain along with her Chair position. She is a 35-year insurance industry veteran with an outstanding reputation across the marketplace. 

The North America business, which in 2014 reported revenues of more than $1.3 billion, includes 100 retail offices across the United States and Canada offering a full range of insurance brokerage and risk management solutions to firms across a wide range of industries.

In her capacity, Ms. LaSala will work closely with Todd Jones, CEO of Willis North America focusing on business development and expanding Willis's footprint in the marketplace, while aligning resources from across Willis's global platform to deliver highly relevant risk-related insight, solutions and services to Willis's North America clients. Ms. LaSala assumes the role previously held by Vic Krauze, who is stepping down from Willis at the end of the month.

Commenting on the appointment, Dominic Casserley said, "We are thrilled to have Chris join our leadership team and we look forward to the energy, engagement and client focus she will bring in support of our North American operations. Willis has firmly established itself as a market leader in North America and I'm confident with Chris's contributions we will continue to build on our momentum and success."

Ms. LaSala said, "I am excited about the possibilities ahead. The challenges facing the North American business community today are global in scope and organizations demand innovative solutions. With its global platform, advanced analytics capabilities and deep industry specializations, Willis stands ready to deliver innovative risk management strategies and solutions so that our clients have the greatest opportunity for success."

Todd Jones said, "Chris's broad experience and strong knowledge of the market and the evolving needs of complex clients make her the ideal candidate to further elevate Willis's business in North America. She is a great addition to our senior team and I am looking forward to working with her closely in the months and years ahead."

Previously, Ms. LaSala served as the President of the WTC Captive Insurance Company. Prior to that, she spent over 25 years with Johnson & Higgins and its successor company Marsh. She is based in New York.

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 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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