Willis appoints new UK CEO

Willis has appointed David Martin as its UK CEO. Martin succeeds Steve Hearn and will begin work in May.

He will be responsible for all governance, financial, operational, human resources and regulatory matters for Willis in the UK.

Hearn, will remain as deputy CEO of Willis Group and chairman and CEO of Willis Global, will continue as a member of the Willis Limited Board.

In his new role Martin will report to Rodney Baker-Bates, chairman of Willis Limited.

Prior to joining Willis in 2013, Martin was at Zurich Insurance Group, where he led global sales and distribution for Zurich’s general insurance business. Prior to that he spent 16 years with Aon, where he was managing director of UK corporate.

Commenting on the appointment, Baker-Bates says: “I wish to thank Steve for his leadership of Willis Limited and his immense contribution to the company since his appointment as CEO in July 2012. I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue working alongside Steve as he takes up a position on the Willis Limited Board. In David we have found a truly worthy successor.”

Hearn adds: “I’m deeply honoured and privileged to have served as CEO of Willis Limited, working alongside such dedicated and highly-experienced insurance industry leaders. I wish to thank Rodney for his exceptional leadership and Chairmanship of the Board during my tenure.”

“David’s extensive knowledge of commercial insurance markets in the UK and his wider global experience makes him the ideal candidate to grow Willis’s business in the UK with a special focus on matching UK client needs with Willis’ world-class specialty expertise.”