Willis Group Holdings, the US-listed global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker which recently completed an acquisition to boost its business from high net worth clients, has appointed Huichih Ko as chairman of Willis Asia.

Willis Group Holdings, the US-listed global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker which recently completed an acquisition to boost its business from high net worth clients, has appointed Huichih Ko as chairman of Willis Asia.

Ko starts his new role this week and will initially be based in the Singapore headquarters of Willis Asia, which employs around 890 associates in 36 offices, according to a statement from Willis.

He joins from Marsh & McLennan Companies, where he served as MMC country corporate officer for Taiwan. He has over 30 years’ industry experience and has held a number of senior posts at Marsh, including deputy chairman, Greater China Region; and managing director and chairman, Marsh Taiwan. He started his insurance brokerage career in New York with Fred S James in 1981.

In May this year, Willis completed its acquisition of specialist broker Charles Monat, following regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Willis, which provides life insurance solutions to high net worth clients, announced its agreement to acquire Charles Monat in January 2014.

The insurance industry plays a significant – and not always fully appreciated – role as a channel for producing and/or distributing wealth management solutions to individuals directly or via intermediaries such as private banks and advisors.