Willis strengthens Canadian contingent

Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, continues to strengthen its presence in key geographic markets across North America with a senior appointment in its Canadian operations. The Company recently welcomed Calgary-based Cees van der Slikke as the new senior vice-president and natural resources practice leader for Willis Canada.Previously Canadian Energy Practice leader at Aon, where he served for eleven years, van der Slikke is an insurance professional who served as an advisor to several of the world’s largest natural resource companies in the US, Canada and Europe. Van der Slikke has also served as chairman of the European Natural Resources Practice Group and managing director of the marine and energy division in Rotterdam for Aon. Prior to joining Aon, van der Slikke was risk manager for Unilever and Shell International, where he developed expertise handling large international programs with a particular focus on captive insurance and broking and insurance, as well as, significant construction projects. “The Willis Model, building all operations around the client, is the only one of its kind among the global insurance brokers,” van der Slikke said. “From the Client Advocate approach and the decentralized marketing model engaging clients every step of the way, Willis is cutting a new path in the insurance brokerage industry, and I am excited about joining this energetic organization.” Working closely with Willis’ Global Energy practice, which includes executive vice-president Neil McIntyre, van der Slikke will help deliver Willis’ global resources to solve Energy clients’ problems.