Willis, a business of WTW, has appointed Anant Pawar (pictured) to head its aviation and space insurance practice in India.
The move reflects the firm’s continued focus on industry specialisation as it scales operations across key markets in Asia.
Pawar assumes the role with immediate effect, taking charge of aviation-related risk advisory and insurance broking services. His responsibilities will include supporting client risk transfer needs in a sector that continues to experience dynamic operational and underwriting conditions.
Vivek Nath, WTW’s head for India, highlighted Pawar’s broad background in aviation and reinsurance.
“With over 27 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Anant brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Willis. His extensive experience and proven track record in the aviation and space sector will be invaluable as we continue to develop a specialisation-based value proposition in India,” he said.
WTW’s global aviation and space head, John Rooley, added that Pawar will help steer strategic development in the regional market.
“Anant’s leadership will be essential in shaping our go-to-market strategy and strengthening our relationships within the insurance and reinsurance industry. We are confident that Anant’s expertise and vision will significantly contribute to the continued success and growth of Willis’s aviation and space specialty,” he said.
Before joining Willis, Pawar was a senior executive at Global Insurance Brokers Private Limited, where he was involved in securing Lloyd’s authorisation in India and forming an India-focused aviation consortium. He has over two decades of experience in specialty insurance segments, including aviation, liability, and reinsurance.
The appointment reflects Gallagher’s first-quarter update on aviation insurance trends. The “Plane Talking” report pointed to continued volatility across underwriting portfolios, especially in the wake of high-value claims.
The Jeju Air loss – estimated at approximately US$300 million – has placed added scrutiny on underwriting profitability, the report said. This event occurred post-2024 renewal season, prompting insurers to reassess exposure assumptions and pricing adequacy.
Cumulative losses, both large and small, are impacting carrier performance metrics. According to Gallagher, these trends could push aviation underwriters toward a less favourable financial position through the remainder of 2025. Senior management and reinsurers are reported to be closely watching claims development and return on deployed capital.
