UK's Willis Limited appoints new chairman and CEO

Willis Limited, has appointed Rodney Baker-Bates to its Board as an independent non-executive chairman and Brendan McManus has been named CEO of Willis Limited in addition to his current role as CEO, Willis UK & Ireland.

Baker-Bates and McManus will succeed the previous chairman and CEO of Willis Limited, David Margrett, who was recently named CEO, Willis International.

With specific expertise in finance, pensions and risk management, Baker-Bates has had a long and distinguished career in the financial services industry starting out in 1966 at Glyn Mills & Co and then working for Arthur Andersen, Chase Manhattan Bank, Midland Bank Plc, the BBC and Prudential in the 36 years that followed. Mr. Baker-Bates also served as a non-executive Director of C. Hoare & Co from 2000-2010. He currently holds a number of other chairman and non-executive directorships in both publicly quoted and private companies.

McManus has been CEO of Willis UK & Ireland since 2007 when he joined the Willis Group following a 20-year career at Royal & SunAlliance (RSA). He was appointed as a Director of Willis Limited in 2008 and is also currently a Board member of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA).

Commenting on the new appointments, Joe Plumeri, chairman and CEO of Willis Group said, “Willis is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and integrity, and this is reflected in the appointment of seasoned leaders of the calibre of Rodney and Brendan. Willis Limited is an integral part of the Group and Rodney’s extensive experience in financial risk management and governance, coupled with Brendan’s vast knowledge of the UK insurance landscape, will further strengthen our company.”