Willis Group Holdings has appointed Lesley Harding as CEO of its global captive practice in Europe, effective 1 March.
Reporting to Malcolm Cutts-Watson, chairman of the Willis global captive practice in Europe, Harding will lead the European captive management and advisory team.
After joining Willis in 2003, Harding was most recently a client advocate with the Willis global solutions team focused on developing and managing relationships with a number of the company’s global clients, particularly in the energy industry.
Before joining Willis, she was an underwriter at Swiss Re and helped to set up Arch’s European operations. She was also a risk manager at Texaco's wholly owned subsidiary Heddington Insurance.
“We see great potential in Europe for the growth of captives,” said Cutts-Watson in a statement. “This is because organisations are seeking to reduce their dependence on the commercial insurance market and increasingly looking at alternative means of funding risks. A captive provides a structured approach to the management of retained risk, generating financial savings and operational benefits.”
He added: “Harding’s appointment strengthens the leadership team and helps us better respond to untapped opportunities in the captive market. Her recent experience will facilitate enhanced connectivity within Willis and greater understanding of how captive services and solutions add value to our clients’ businesses. Her extensive knowledge of risk financing strategies and the demands of global companies make her the ideal candidate.”
Harding said: “I am delighted to join the Willis global captive practice. I have worked with many of the team and admire their technical expertise and focus on client service. I see my role as building on this solid platform to achieve even greater success.”
