Willis Towers Watson appoints GM, Corporate Risk and Broking

Willis Towers Watson has announced the appointment of Katherine (Katie) Simmonds as general manager of its corporate risk and broking (CRB) business in New South Wales, effective October 2017.

In this role, Simmonds will report to head of CRB for Australia, Andrew Boal.

Simmonds has 17 years' experience in financial services and joins from Ironshore Australia and New Zealand where she was managing director/country head. Prior to this, she was head of M&A Insurance, Asia Pacific for AIG, and before that worked with Minter Ellison Lawyers in a private equity and M&A focused client advisory role.

Commenting on her appointment at Willis Towers Watson, Boal said: "Katie has a proven track record in achieving significant business growth and profitability, underpinned by an ability to nurture and develop strong business partner and client relationships. With experience in recruiting and developing a talented team, leading market initiatives and building capacity and infrastructure to support a growing business, Katie is an exceptional choice to lead our sizeable CRB team in New South Wales."

Simmonds added: "I'm excited to join Willis Towers Watson's Corporate Risk and Broking business at a time when it is strengthening its solutions offering to clients across Australasia."

Simmonds will take over from Chris Nelson who has held dual responsibilities as GM, CRB and head of client & industry for Australasia. Following Simmonds appointment, Nelson will retain the role of head of client & industry for Australasia.