Willis Re promotes co-president to global deputy CEO

Willis Re, the reinsurance business of Willis Towers Watson, has appointed James Kent as global deputy CEO, based in New York.

Kent has been promoted from the role of co-president of Willis Re, however he will retain his existing role as president of Willis Re North America.

He will continue to work alongside Jim Bradshaw, CEO of Willis Re North America, driving sales and growth efforts, producing business and maintain market and client relationships in the region.

In his new capacity as global deputy CEO, Kent will work closely with global CEO John Cavanagh and global chairman Paddy Jago.

Kent will help lead business production, client and market relationship management and drive the business’s operations worldwide.

Kent has over 15 years of property/casualty treaty experience in London and Bermuda, and joined Willis Re in 2004 as an executive vice president of Willis Re Bermuda.

He was appointed to the additional role of co-president of Willis Re in August 2015.

Cavanagh commented: “James is one of the most highly regarded executives in the industry and has a stellar track record of driving innovation and financial performance.

“He is a well-respected leader within this business and has played a significant role in shaping Willis Re over the past decade, particularly in driving the growth of our Bermuda and North America operations.

“He is absolutely the right person to help further Willis Re’s global development and I look forward to working with him more closely in his new capacity as deputy CEO.”

Carl Hess, head of Willis Towers Watson’s investment, risk and reinsurance segment, added: “James’ appointment reflects the deep strength of Willis Re’s leadership team and the strong track record within that team of product innovation and financial performance.

“Under John Cavanagh, Paddy Jago and the rest of the Willis Re leadership team, Willis Re’s development as a highly collaborative and client-focused business within the investment, risk and reinsurance arena continues to set it apart in the marketplace.”

Kent said: “Willis Re is a fantastic business and I very much look forward to working more closely with Paddy, John and the rest of the Willis Re leadership team in a global capacity to take this business forward.

“I will maintain my very strong ties and working relationships within North America, but having been part of the Willis Re global leadership team now for the past six years, my new role will enable me to further the already close relationships with my International and Specialty colleagues as we continue to build our client-focused business as part of Willis Towers Watson.”