James Kent appointed to lead Willis Re as global CEO

James Kent

Willis Re, Willis Towers Watson P.L.C.’s reinsurance business, said Thursday that James Kent will succeed global CEO John Cavanagh when he retires at the end of the December.

Mr. Kent joined Willis Re in 2004 and has served as the global deputy CEO since December 2016.

Mr. Cavanagh has been CEO at Willis Re since 2012. He joined Willis Re in 2009 after spending 21 years at the Carvill Group, where he was joint CEO.

“I would like to thank John for his tremendous contribution to Willis Towers Watson,” Carl Hess, the brokerage’s head of investment, risk and reinsurance, said in a statement. “Not only is John a recognized leader of the Willis Re business, he is also a leading figure in the global reinsurance industry. John has been instrumental in creating the reinsurance business we have today and will leave a strong legacy.’’

Mr. Kent said in a statement that he was “honored to have this opportunity to lead Willis Re.”

“In succeeding John,” Mr. Kent said, “I look forward to further enhancing our proposition to help clients effectively manage their risk while building on the collaborative culture so integral to our proposition for both clients and colleagues.”