Willis Group Holdings (WSH), the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, announced the appointment of Stefan Spohr to the newly-created role of Head of Global Industries.

In his new role, Spohr will be responsible for advancing and enhancing the Group’s activities and client focus in its chosen industry sectors, leading collaboration between specialist industry and geography teams.

Spohr joins Willis having spent over two decades working in senior roles in the financial services world.

At both A.T. Kearney and BearingPoint he led large scale multi-sector initiatives in the insurance industry. Earlier in his career, he held reinsurance underwriting roles at Swiss Re in Zurich, having first worked at Willis. He will be based in Willis’ London office.

Dominic Casserley, CEO of Willis Group, commented: "As well as leading large-scale, multi-sector initiatives that have changed our industry, Stefan’s experience provides us with the strong leadership and wide market perspective we need to galvanize our industry efforts."

Spohr added: "As the client-focused ‘analytical broker’, on a truly global scale, Willis uses its specialist industry groups, along with its risk, analytics, placement and client service expertise worldwide to provide the best possible risk advice to clients. Sharing global experiences and insights in a structured and open way provides clients with improved information about their risks, driving more informed decisions."

Willis Group Holdings is a leading global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 18,000 employees in over 400 offices.