Willis appoints construction leader for Middle East

Broker Willis has appointed Keith Chapman as regional construction industry leader for the Middle East.

Based in Dubai, Chapman’s primary responsibility will be to develop risk management solutions for construction companies in the region.

He began his career with the Royal (now RSA) in 1967 and went on to spend a number of decades helping companies based in Spain manage complex and evolving risks as they increasingly expand overseas, particularly in high-growth markets.

Late last year, Willis announced the creation of five new industry groups – construction, financial services, natural resources, transportation and technology, media and telecommunications.

Bill Creedon, global head of construction for Willis, says: “Many of the Middle East economies are showing very positive growth dynamics, which is supported by both public and private sector investment in continued infrastructure expansion. Exciting projects associated with Dubai hosting the Expo 2020, Qatar due to host the football World Cup in 2022 and recent announcements around the Saudi rail expansion also bode well for the construction industry in the region.”

He continues, “With Keith’s very extensive experience coupled with our strong regional presence, backed up by best-in-class analytical capabilities and a unique understanding of the specialist requirements of construction companies, Willis is in an excellent position to provide clients with risk insights and innovative solutions. We are very excited to have Keith join our team.”

Chapman adds: “As construction companies increasingly expand their geographic footprints, their exposures to complex, multi-jurisdictional risks are also growing. I look forward to bringing the best of Willis’s leading industry knowledge and analytical depth to global construction firms and, together with the rest of Willis’s construction team, to growing our presence in the Middle East even more in the months and years ahead.”