LONDON, Aug. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, has announced an important change to the leadership team at Willis Re Bermuda Limited, effective January 1, 2014.
Michael Harden, currently Chairman of Willis Re Australia, has been appointed CEO of Willis Re Bermuda. His extensive experience in Property and Casualty reinsurance, as well as Specialty accounts, will prove invaluable as he works with the team to expand the business on the island.
Commenting on his appointment, Harden said: "This is a great opportunity. I look forward to beginning a new chapter in my career and embracing a new challenge. My focus will be to further enhance Willis Re's profile on the island, and build upon the team's current success."
John Cavanagh, Global Chief Executive Officer of Willis Re, commented: "Given Bermuda's special place within the global reinsurance network, it is crucial for Willis Re to constantly invest in enhancing our client offering there. Michael has been key in building our Australian operation into one of our most preeminent reinsurance franchises, and so will play a crucial role in driving the development of our Bermuda team."
Harden began his career at Willis Re in London in 1976, working through the ranks to become a senior marine London Market excess of loss broker, before leaving the company and moving to Australia in 1985. In 1991 Harden re-joined Willis Re as a Director at Willis Re Australia, becoming the CEO in 2007 and Chairman earlier this year. In addition to his new role, Harden will remain non-executive Chairman of Willis Re Australia.
About Willis Re
One of the world's leading reinsurance brokers, Willis Re is known for its world-class Analytics capabilities, which it combines with its Reinsurance expertise in a seamless, integrated offering that can help clients increase the value of their businesses. Willis Re serves the risk management and risk transfer needs of a diverse, global client base that includes all of the world's top insurance and reinsurance carriers as well as national catastrophe schemes in many countries around the world. The broker's global team of experts offers services and advice that can help clients make better reinsurance decisions and negotiate optimum terms. For more information, visit www.willisre.com.
About Willis
Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modeling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com, our leadership journal, Resilience, or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.