Willis Re strengthens specialty business with hire

Willis Re, the reinsurance business of Willis Towers Watson, has hired Donald Harrell as managing director and chief operating officer of Willis Re Specialty.

He is responsible for growing Willis Re’s international specialty business and management of Willis Re Specialty’s day-to-day operations, systems, processes and controls. He provides executive-level leadership and support through the client retention and acquisition processes.

He is based in London and reports to Graeme Moore, CEO of Willis Re Specialty.

Harrell joins with more than 25 years’ broking and underwriting experience in the speciality insurance sector, most recently as head of international insurance at Aspen Insurance and active underwriter of its Lloyd’s Syndicate 4711.

He has also served as senior vice president of Liberty International Underwriters in New York, and spent 16 years with AIG and CV Starr. He began his career in London as a marine and energy broker for Bain Hogg.

Moore said Harrell’s knowledge of the marine and energy sector will be of exceptional value to Willis Re at a time of market upheaval in that class. “His transatlantic experience during a career divided between London and New York, spanning both Lloyd’s and the company markets, will be a powerful asset for Willis Re and our clients,” he added.