Willis promotes executives in China unit

Willis Group Holdings P.L.C. on Friday said it has promoted three senior executives in its Willis China unit, effective Jan. 26.

The former CEO of Willis China, Mitchell Ma, has been named to the newly formed position of chairman. Based at the Willis China’s headquarters in Shanghai, Mr. Ma has served as CEO of the unit since it was founded in 2004, Willis said in a statement.

Lincoln Pan will succeed Mr. Ma as CEO, and will relocate to Shanghai from Hong Kong, where he was executive director of Willis Hong Kong, according to the statement.

Finally, Willis named Beijing-based Wise Xu as deputy CEO of Willis China, with a focus on the management of specialist business units, placement and Beijing operations, according to the statement. Mr. Xu was previously Willis China’s executive vice president, a Willis spokesman said.

The promotions are subject to regulatory approval, Willis said in the statement.

“This is a first-rate team that will take us to the next level in this hugely important market,” Adam Garrard, Willis Asia regional CEO, said in the statement. “We have a well-established presence in China with an unmatched office footprint and a diverse range of clients. The business is entering an exciting new phase of growth, and these changes broaden and strengthen our leadership base, combining optimal operational management with a bold drive for new business and growth.”