OREANDA-NEWS. Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE:WSH), the global risk advisory, re/insurance broking, and human capital and benefits firm, has appointed Charles Clarke as Regional Leader of Construction in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region.

Clarke will draw on Willis’s in-depth global industry knowledge and analytical tools to develop its growth strategy and client propositions for the high-potential CEEMEA region.

He joined Willis in 2011 and is currently leader of the International Casualty team in London. Clarke, who has over fourteen years’ industry experience, is making a phased transition from his current role and will take the CEEMEA leadership role full-time from early October.

This new CEEMEA-wide role includes and adds to the geographic responsibility of previous Middle East Construction leader Keith Chapman, who moves into a new role concentrating on large and complex projects and key client advocacy.

Bill Creedon, Global Leader of Construction, Willis, said: “We see great potential in this exciting region, and our planned union with Gras Savoye will create more opportunities. Charles has a strong skillset gained through a wide range of roles at Willis. His background will help him make a clear impact in this newly-created regional post. These key industry leader roles are about connecting the best of Willis to ensure that the client gets the best outcome, and I am sure Charles will deliver that in the construction sector.”

Toby Wemyss, CEEMEA Regional CEO, Willis, said: “Charles really understands how to develop bespoke risk solutions for major clients by drawing on Willis’s global pools of expertise. It is an approach that will drive growth and interest in CEEMEA, which is a vital region for us. His goal will be to expand and strengthen our offer to our clients and prospects, and delve into markets where major construction projects and risks are emerging.”

Charles Clarke said: “I am incredibly excited about this role, particularly as our proposed union with Gras Savoye will give a substantial lift to our regional presence. I look forward to working closely with our global industry leaders and the CEEMEA executive to ensure we achieve significant growth and service a growing number of construction clients.

“The scope for development and investment in Africa includes some of the most challenging risks in the world today, while the Middle East will see billions of dollars of infrastructure projects in the coming years. This is a great time for Willis to establish itself as the global risk adviser of choice across the CEEMEA region.”

About Willis
Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisory, re/insurance broker and human capital and benefits firm. 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.