Aon Benfield's space CEO defects to Willis

Willis has appointed Roger Bathurst as chief executive of its specialist space division, Willis Inspace.

Bill Lloyd, previously chairman & chief executive of Willis Inspace, will retain the position of chairman and will support Bathurst on strategy. Bathurst will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of Inspace’s global operations and both he and Lloyd will report to Philip Smaje, managing director, Willis Aerospace.

Bathurst was most recently chief executive of International Space Brokers (ISB), the space arm of Aon Benfield.

Smaje said: “The space market is rapidly expanding and to reach new frontiers, the industry needs sophisticated risk management solutions. Roger’s appointment coincides with a period of significant growth in the space industry and signals a new push for Willis Inspace to increase its market share and presence in the space and satellite insurance market.”

Lloyd added: “Roger is one of the most experienced people in the space industry and his leadership, along with our existing team and talent pool, will help us build on our leading position in this market.”