UK chief executive takes on additional responsibilities as head of group’s UK legal entity

David Martin, Willis

Willis UK chief executive David Martin has been given the additional responsibility of chief executive of Willis Limited, the broking group’s UK legal entity.

He will replace current chief executive Steve Hearn and retain his responsibility for Willis’s UK business.

Martin’s expanded role will start in May, subject to FCA approval. It will see him take over reponsibility for all governance, financial, operational, human resources and regulatory matters for Willis Limited.

Before joining Willis in 2013, Martin led global sales and distribution for Zurich’s general insurance business. He had previously spent 16 years with Aon, where he was managing director of UK Corporate.

Martin said: “Key to Willis’s success is our ability to bring together our industry expertise with our excellent risk advisory and broking capabilities. I am looking forward to further developing that capability within Willis for the benefit of our clients globally.”

Current chief executive Steve Hearn, who Martin succeeds, will remain deputy chief executive of Willis Group and chairman and chief executive of Willis Global.

Willis chairman Rodney Baker-Bates said: “I wish to thank Steve for his leadership of Willis and his immense contribution to the company since his appointment as chief executive in July 2012. I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue working alongside Steve as he takes up a position on the Willis Board. In David we have found a truly worthy successor.”  

Hearn said: “I’m deeply honoured and privileged to have served as chief executive of Willis, working alongside such dedicated and highly-experienced insurance industry leaders. I wish to thank Rodney for his exceptional leadership and Chairmanship of the Board during my tenure.

“David’s extensive knowledge of commercial insurance markets in the UK and his wider global experience makes him the ideal candidate to grow Willis’s business in the UK with a special focus on matching UK client needs with Willis’ world-class specialty expertise.”