CGSC lures Willis’ Hearn
Broker Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) has appointed Steve Hearn as group chief executive officer (CEO).
He succeeds Toby Esser who stepped down from the role in mid-June.
Hearn joins from Willis, where he most recently served as deputy CEO of Willis Group. He joined the broker in 2008 and has held a number of senior roles including chairman and CEO of Willis Global.
Hearn is also chairman of the London & International Insurance Brokers’ Association and chairman of the London Market Group.
Martin Sullivan, executive chairman of CGSC, said: “To attract someone of the calibre of Steve Hearn not only demonstrates CGSC’s commitment to maintain the great strides already made, but is also a reflection of how highly we are respected in the market and our prospects for the future. Steve has the leadership, vision and energy to realise the potential that exists within this business.
Hearn added: “The CGSC story is compelling, with strong established teams that are among the best in the market. It is now poised to enter a new chapter and I am extremely pleased that I will be part of it.
“I look forward to joining CGSC’s highly effective management team, to help build on the momentum of the past in order to realise the true potential of a great business.”
Dominic Casserley, Willis Group CEO, said: “I want to thank Steve for everything that he has done for Willis in a host of senior roles over the past seven years. Steve has served clients with distinction, influenced the careers of dozens of Willis colleagues, particularly in the UK and in our speciality and reinsurance businesses, and played a significant leadership role on a wide range of initiatives including our recent investment in Miller Insurance Services.”
