Willis deputy CEO departs for CGSC

Steve Hearn, the deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of Willis, is set to join broker Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) as CEO.

He joins in CGSC in November and succeeds Toby Esser who stepped down in mid-June.

Hearn joins from Willis, where he most recently served as deputy CEO of Willis Group. He joined the broker in 2008 and has held a number of senior roles including chairman and CEO of Willis Global.

Hearn is also chairman of the London & International Insurance Brokers’ Association and chairman of the London Market Group.

Martin Sullivan, executive chairman of CGSC, said: “To attract someone of the calibre of Steve Hearn not only demonstrates CGSC’s commitment to maintain the great strides already made, but is also a reflection of how highly we are respected in the market and our prospects for the future. Steve has the leadership, vision and energy to realise the potential that exists within this business.

Hearn added: “The CGSC story is compelling, with strong established teams that are among the best in the market. It is now poised to enter a new chapter and I am extremely pleased that I will be part of it.

“I look forward to joining CGSC’s highly effective management team, to help build on the momentum of the past in order to realise the true potential of a great business.”