Willis adds three senior hires to strengthen GB fac team

Willis has appointed three senior hires to its direct and facultative team in Great Britain as part of its strategy to expand facultative capabilities and deliver tailored solutions for clients.

Fiona Kerr joins WTW from Aon as head of UK property, bringing 20 years of market experience.

She will lead the property team, driving growth and innovation across the portfolio and strengthening relationships with cedants, reinsurers and retail broking colleagues.

David Watson has been appointed internally as head of North America and retro, specialising in global property placements.

Based in London, he will oversee placement and retention, develop new business and work with regional offices and reinsurers to deliver bespoke solutions worldwide.

James Kelly joins as casualty producer with 40 years of industry experience, including senior roles at JLT, Lockton and Gallagher.

He will focus on growing the UK casualty facultative portfolio, WTW said, mentoring junior talent and leading new business development across both direct and facultative lines.

Tony Simm, head of facultative GB, said the appointments reflected the firm’s investment in talent and its commitment to growth.

“Fiona, David and James each bring expertise and leadership that will help us deliver best-in-class solutions and drive growth for our clients,” he said.

Garret Gaughan, global head of direct and facultative, said the trio would play a key role in advancing Willis’ global facultative strategy.

“Their leadership will be instrumental in driving innovation, expanding our reach and deepening our client relationships across key markets,” he added.