News

Willis UK & Ireland, part of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today announced that Brendan McCafferty has been appointed as Managing Director of its Commercial and Network businesses, effective immediately. Mr. McCafferty, who has been Managing Director of the broker's Commercial business since 2009 will continue to report to Brendan McManus, CEO, Willis UK & Ireland.

In his new role, Mr. McCafferty will assume overall leadership of the Commercial segment, with all distribution, including Direct, Affinity and Networks business. He will also continue to lead Willis Underwriting Programmes, the broker's Facilities / MGA business and the Personal and High Net Worth business.

Mr. McCafferty has been at Willis for three years and was initially responsible for the creation of Willis Underwriting Programmes prior to leading the Commercial business unit. Before that, he was Finance Director for RSA's UK Commercial division.

Sara Fardon, currently Development Director, Willis Underwriting, has been named Managing Director of the Willis Networks business, the broker's alliance with local, independent insurance brokers in the UK. Ms. Fardon worked as Insurer Relations Director for Willis Networks for nine years between 1999 and 2008. She will report to Mr. McCafferty. Following this change Phil Scarrett who previously led the Network business will leave the Group at the end of March.

Commenting on the changes, Mr. McManus said, "Brendan has shown exemplary leadership of our Commercial business and Willis Underwriting, building strong propositions and teams. His deep understanding of our offering and our clients' needs make him an ideal candidate for Managing Director of the combined business. He will have excellent support from Sara who is very experienced in Networks and will continue to grow Willis Commercial Network and Willis N², continuing the great work that Phil has done over the last two years."