Willis Group Holdings, an insurance broker, has appointed Celia Brown as the new executive vice president and group human resources director.

In her new role, Brown will report to the company’s chief operating officer Tim Wright, and will be based in New York.

Previously, Brown was an executive of financial services company XL Group (and its predecessor NAC Re Corp) for about 20 years in a series of senior roles.

After leaving XL, Brown formed an independent management consultancy, providing human resources services to not-for-profit, corporate, and individual clients.

Willis Group chairman and CEO Joe Plumeri said that Celia’s distinguished record in managing human capital in the insurance industry will enhance the company’s global HR function, ensuring that it grows, rewards, develops, and manages associates.