LONDON, May 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Towers Watson, (NASDAQ:WLTW), the leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, has confirmed Rafal Walkiewicz as CEO of Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (WCMA), the firm’s investment banking business.

Based in New York, Walkiewicz will take the reins as CEO of the investment banking business effective immediately. He joined WCMA in 2014 and in 2015 was appointed Co-CEO.

Walkiewicz has over 15 years of international experience working with financial institutions and insurance companies, and has a long track record of successful execution of multi-billion and mid-market transactions in developed and emerging markets.

Michael Guo will leave his position as Co-CEO of WCMA, which he has held since 2015. Guo joined Willis in 2013 as WCMA’s head of Asia, having been a Partner and Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group.

WCMA’s Vincent Lien, Hong Kong and John Philipsz, Australia will take on joint responsibility for leading the business’ Asia strategy. Together they have over 30 years of investment banking experience advising clients across the globe, particularly in Asia.

Dominic Casserley, President and Deputy CEO of Willis Towers Watson said: “WCMA is a world-class insurance investment banking operation and an important part of the Willis Towers Watson company. Comprising one of the largest dedicated insurance advisory teams in the market, they have undertaken some of the most prominent M&A transactions in the re/insurance sector.

“Rafal has been instrumental to the success of WCMA over the past few years and I am confident he will continue to strengthen its client offering and drive the business forward in new markets.

“I also want to thank Michael for the valuable contribution he has made to WCMA’s global footprint by further developing and broadening its client relationships and market coverage in Asia.”

Rafal Walkiewicz, CEO of WCMA said: “The WCMA business model is built on the highest standard of execution combined with superior understanding of the insurance industry. With unprecedented globalisation of the insurance industry, we remain committed to our strategy in Asia to support our clients’ interests in the region as well as growing global ambitions of Asian capital.

“I am very excited to be leading WCMA as it continues to differentiate itself as a truly global insurance investment banking boutique.”

“I have enjoyed working with Michael and wish him every success in the future.”

WCMA advises clients in the insurance and reinsurance industry on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and insurance-linked securities. In the last 12 months WCMA has completed over $7.5 billion in transactions, including the sale of Brit Plc to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, the sale of Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd to China Minsheng Investment Corp, Ltd. and the sale of CATCo Investment Management Ltd to Markel Corporation.”

About Willis Capital Markets & Advisory 
Willis Capital Markets & Advisory, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong and Sydney, provides advice to companies involved in the insurance and reinsurance industry on a broad array of mergers and acquisition transactions as well as capital markets products, including acting as underwriter or agent for primary issuances, operating a secondary insurance-linked securities trading desk and engaging in general capital markets and strategic advisory work. Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (“WCMA”) is a trade name used by Willis Securities, Inc., a licensed broker dealer authorized and regulated by FINRA and a member of SIPC (“WSI”), Willis Capital Markets & Advisory Limited (Registered number 2908053 and ARBN number 604 264 557), an investment business authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“WCMAL”) and Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited, a corporation licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (“WCMAL (HK)”).

About Willis Towers Watson
Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 39,000 employees in more than 120 territories. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.

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