A long-standing member of Willis Re’s global leadership team, Kent will retain his role as President of Willis Re North America and continue to work in New York alongside Willis Re North America CEO, Jim Bradshaw, to drive sales and growth efforts, produce business and maintain market and client relationships in the region, which has seen 50 percent market share growth over the past five years and now represents Willis Re’s largest business segment.
In his additional capacity as Global Deputy CEO, Kent will work closely with Global CEO, John Cavanagh, and Global Chairman, Paddy Jago, to lead global business production, client and market relationship management and to drive the business’s operations worldwide.
Commenting on Kent’s promotion, John Cavanagh said: “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.”
Additional notes: Kent joined Willis Re in 2004 as Executive Vice President, Willis Re Bermuda, bringing more than 15 years’ experience producing and placing Property and Casualty treaty business across both London and Bermuda.
Following a successful tenure leading Willis Re’s Bermuda office, in 2010, Kent was appointed President of Willis Re North America, moving to New York to work alongside Willis Re North America CEO, Jim Bradshaw, and Willis Re North America Chairman, Paddy Jago.
He was appointed to the additional role of Co-President, Willis Re, in August 2015.
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