Major international broker Willis Towers Watson has appointed James Kent as the global deputy CEO of its reinsurance arm.
Kent immediately takes up his new role at Willis Re, working closely with global CEO John Cavanagh and global chairman Paddy Jago. He will help in leading global business production, client and market relationship management and in driving business operations worldwide.
“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,” Kent said.
Commenting on the latest appointment, Cavanagh described Kent as “one of the most highly regarded executives in the industry” with 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,” Cavanagh said.
“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,” he added.
Kent joined Willis Re in 2004 as executive vice president and was appointed in 2010 as president of Willis Re North America in 2010. He was also named Willis Re co-president in 2015.
Kent will keep his leadership role in North America while serving in his new global position.
“I will maintain my very strong ties and working relationships within North America,” he said. “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.”
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