LONDON, March 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has appointed Pietro Menghi as Director of Strategy and Transformation for Willis Global, the division which includes Willis's specialist brokerage and consulting services.

Menghi, who has been leading Willis Re Southern Europe as Chairman and CEO since 2008 based in Rome, has replaced David Thomas, recently appointed CEO of the newly created Market Solutions and Services Unit, charged with developing Willis's global carrier relationships.

In his new role, Menghi will report to Steve Hearn, Chairman and CEO of Willis Global, and he will be based in London. He retains his Chairman role of Willis Re Southern Europe in Italy.

Commenting on the appointment Hearn said: "With over twenty years of experience in the reinsurance sector, Pietro brings to the central leadership team of Willis Global a range of skills, not least exceptionally strong leadership. Besides maintaining a close involvement in Willis Re, he will work alongside the central leadership team of Willis Global as well as business leaders across the Group to ensure a consistent and effective strategic approach that connects Willis's deep industry specific knowledge with our global broking capabilities and international network."

Before joining Willis, Pietro held a number of senior management and leadership roles in Italy and Europe with various reinsurers including, most recently, Swiss Re, where he was head of Client Management in Italy and the banking insurance (Bancassurance) business in Europe.

Menghi said: "I am thrilled by this opportunity to embed even further within our company a strategic approach that focuses on the unique needs of clients while providing them access to the full range of insurance products and risk management services that define Willis as the analytical broker."

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk adviser, 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, www.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.

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