Willis Boosts Global Construction Capabilities with Innovation and Product Development Appointment

Broker Names Jeff Burns to Lead the Construction Industry Product and Service Innovation

NEW YORK, October 30, 2014 - Willis Group Holdings plc, the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, today announced the appointment of Jeff Burns as Sr. Vice President and leader of Global Construction Industry Product and Service Innovation. Mr. Burns has deep experience in the construction risk management and insurance industry and he joins Willis from a large multinational contractor.

In this newly created role, Mr. Burns will be responsible for coordinating and leading innovation for Willis' Global Construction Industry where he will focus on developing innovative risk management products and services for the construction sector, including Global P3's (public-private partnerships). He will engage with the global insurance market and other vendors to deliver a range of cutting edge solutions to Willis' construction clients.

Willis is a leading provider of insurance, surety and risk management services to the Construction industry and has made a deep commitment to this industry by serving contractors, owners, construction professionals and design firms. Late last year Willis announced the creation of five new industry groups - Construction, Financial Services, Natural Resources, Transportation and Technology, Media and Telecommunications. In this context, Willis' Global Construction Industry focuses on the unique needs of clients within the sector, while providing them access to the full range of insurance products and risk management services that define Willis as the analytical broker. Mr. Burns will work closely within this industry group and report to Bill Creedon, Global Head of Construction for Willis.

Mr. Burns has a strong track record of success in product development within the industry and his background includes oversight of many sponsored joint venture pursuits involving other large global contractors. He has also held senior roles at Caterpillar and the St. Paul Companies, a predecessor of Travelers.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Creedon said, "We are very pleased to have Jeff spearheading our pursuit of constant innovation for our construction clients. Today, more than ever, the construction industry is evolving rapidly as contractors are diversifying their operations, entering new global markets, taking on greater contractual risk and being asked to provide private funding for many projects. Willis' objective is to understand the multitude of risks our clients face and create innovative products and approaches to help their businesses succeed. Jeff's expertise is a great benefit for us and I am excited for our clients."

Jeff Burns said "as a new team member, I regard Willis as having an enviable reputation among contractors, being an innovator with a keen interest in serving client needs. Everything we innovate together, product or service, will be central to our clients' projects and the associated risks they face daily as well as those that are emerging, some with greater volatility. By collaborating with clients and the marketplace, together we can drive more predictive products and services, more relevant products and services, and ultimately more valued products and services."

Mr. Burns is based in Denver, Colorado.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, http://willis.com, our leadership journal, Resilience, or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire. Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.

Contact:

Media:

Colleen McCarthy
+1 212 915-8307
colleen.mccarthy@willis.com

Investors:

Peter Poillon
+1 212-915-8084
peter.poillon@willis.com

distributed by