Willis Re bolsters Australia leadership to drive next phase of growth

Willis Re, the reinsurance division of broker Willis Towers Watson, has unveiled a number of leadership changes in its Australian team, a move it hopes will drive its next phase of growth.

John Philipsz has been appointed deputy CEO of Willis Re Australia to be based in Sydney. He will drive the development of Willis Re’s reinsurance brokerage and advisory business in Australia.

Before moving to Willis Re Philipsz worked in Willis Towers Watson Securities. He was based in London before launching its Sydney office in 2015, and was appointed as its co-head of Asia Pacific in 2016. With more than 20 years of investment banking experience, primarily covering the insurance sector, he has held various roles at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America in London, New York and Tokyo.

The head of catastrophe analytics for Willis Re International Karl Jones will relocate from London to Sydney in the first quarter of 2019, but will continue in his global role. Jones is well known to the Australian market having previously been based in Sydney with Willis Re until 2015.

Willis Re's third move involves Warren Dresner, head of broking for Willis Re Australia. He will be relocating to Miami as a senior member of Willis Re’s Latin American business with the change planned to take place in the third quarter of 2019.

Cameron Green, CEO of Willis Re Australia, said: “In recent years, the role of the reinsurance broker has evolved. Willis Re in Australia and throughout the world has been at the forefront of driving innovation in its service offering, to deliver meaningful value and insight for its clients. The addition of John and Karl to the Willis Re team in Australia will strengthen our operations in the Australian market to drive our next phase of growth.”

Mark Morley, head of Willis Re, Asia Pacific, added: “Both John and Karl will also be part of the regional team and be involved in various initiatives to expand and grow our business in the Asia Pacific region. These appointments are testament to the collaborative way in which Willis Re works globally, and the continued investment in our business demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support the future needs of our clients.”