Canada focus of Willis strategy

Global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH) recently announced plans to deliver on its Client Advocate Model across Canada and thus increase market share and revenues in this region. In lieu of this plan Willis will relocate its regional headquarters from Montreal to Toronto, a strategic move that will enhance the Company’s presence in Canada’s financial center. The move responds to the strong business representation and insurance company presence in Toronto, which will offer opportunity to capture significant market share.Behind Willis’ strong Canadian focus is a new management team that will concentrate on the Company’s global One Flag approach to bringing innovative and integrated business solutions to its clients’ insurance matters.Wole Coaxum, who has been with Willis since 2002 and offers over 15 years of insurance and financial industry experience, will lead the management change. Coaxum most recently as coo of Willis North America and will take over as interim regional executive officer for the Canadian operations. Patrick Doig, who most recently served as senior vice president of Aon, will serve Willis as regional partner. Doig joins Willis with 23 years of experience in the commercial risk and insurance industry including technical and financial underwriting and client and operational management.”We’ve got the right model based on client advocacy, transparency and innovation and the very best people in the global insurance industry,” Joe Plumeri, chairman and CEO of Willis, says. “Willis Group Holdings Limited hasover 300 offices in over 100 countries and a global team of 15,800 associates that serve clients in 180 countries. In Canada, Willis has offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Vancouver.