Willis North America Appoints Vic Krauze As Chief Operating Officer

New York, NY  (CompNewsNetwork) - Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, announces Vic Krauze has been appointed Willis North America's Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Prior to this appointment, Krauze was Regional Executive Officer and National Partner for the Central Region, a major component of Willis North America's business. The role of Chief Operating Officer of Willis North America was formerly held by Tom Ealy who is now leading the Company's growing Commercial and Consumer segments for both the U.S. and Canada.  Krauze will also continue in his current role until a successor is named.

Commenting on the appointment, Don Bailey, CEO of Willis North America, said: "Vic has demonstrated exceptional ability in leading Willis North America's Central Region, and his promotion to Chief Operating Officer for Willis North America is a testament to his success within the Company. Vic will continue to drive our efficient operating platform to support growth in 2008."

Krauze joined Willis in January 1997 as Executive Vice President for the Company's operations in Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in Minnesota, and in 1998 was made President and Chief Executive Officer of Willis' Minnesota operations. In 2003, Krauze was appointed Regional Executive Officer and National Partner of the Great Lakes Region. Geographies have been added to the region several times, and the region was re-named the Central Region in August of 2006.  Operations within the region now include: Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Knoxville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville and Omaha.

Krauze began his insurance career as a marketing specialist with another major global broker, and over the years served in a number of roles including Account Executive with responsibilities for both Risk Management and Middle Market clients.

He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a degree in Applied Statistics.  In 1991 he earned his Masters of Business Administration degree (Finance) from the University of St. Thomas.  Prior to his insurance career, Krauze served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years.

Willis Group Holdings Limited is a leading global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world.  Willis has more than 300 offices in some 100 countries, with a global team of approximately 16,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries.  Additional information on Willis may be found at www.willis.com.

Share This Article: