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Willis Establishes New Leadership in Latin America with Appointment of Luis Maurette as Regional CEO

^{Published on 2011-10-21 09:47:19 - Market Wire}
 

LONDON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE:WSH), the global insurance broker, announced today that Luis Maurette has been appointed Regional Chief Executive Officer of its Latin American operations. Based in So Paulo, Brazil, Maurette reports to Tim Wright, who this week was named CEO of Willis International.

"Ia™m pleased to be at the helm of Willis Latin America. Backed by the international resources and expertise of our Group, our network of skilled brokers across the region will continue to provide world-class risk management solutions by delivering the Willis Cause to our clients."

Latin America is a key region in Willis Internationala™s extensive network. The regiona™s strong economic growth a" stemming from an infrastructural and industrial boom, an expanding middle class, and relatively low insurance penetration a" represents one the biggest opportunities for Willis.

Maurette joins Willis from Liberty Seguros Brazil, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.'s Brazilian company where he served as President and CEO for the last 10 years. Originally from Argentina, he has a wealth of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors, having also worked for 14 years at Cigna International and over 10 years at leading financial services organisations across Latin America.

Willis International Chairman Sarah Turvill and CEO Tim Wright, both welcomed Maurette to the Group.

Commenting on the growth potential of Latin America for Willis International, Wright said, aThe success of our Group is predicated on the consistent delivery of the Willis Cause in every single corner of the world in which we operate. Latin America is such an integral part of our international growth strategy that it was essential to have a leader of Luisa™ calibre to drive positive change and exceed the expectations of our clients there.a

aFrom Energy to Construction, Aviation to Marine, clients in this region demand both global insight and local knowledge of risk,a said Maurette. aIa™m pleased to be at the helm of Willis Latin America. Backed by the international resources and expertise of our Group, our network of skilled brokers across the region will continue to provide world-class risk management solutions by delivering the Willis Cause to our clients.a

Maurettea™s hire follows another senior appointment in Latin America when Seth Peller was named CEO, Willis Argentina in September, signaling a push for further growth in the region. With key leaders like Maurette and Peller in place, Willis International CEO Tim Wright and Chairman Sarah Turvill will look to capitalize on the economic power shift from developed to developing nations.

Willis International comprises 5,000 Associates in more than 100 offices in over 40 countries in Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. As the long-time growth engine of Willis, the International segment generated over 30 percent of the Groupa™s total consolidated commissions and fees in 2010.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global insurance broker. Through its subsidiaries, Willis develops and delivers professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team of approximately 17,000 employees serving clients in virtually every part of the world. Additional information on Willis may be found at [ www.willis.com ].