14 January 2016 Insurance

Willis Towers Watson appoints FI regional head

Willis Towers Watson has appointed Alexander van Kuffeler as regional leader of financial institutions (FI) in Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA).

Based in London, van Kuffeler will focus on delivering the full range of Willis Towers Watson products, services and solutions to FI clients in the CEEMEA region.

Previously van Kuffeler served as executive director in Willis’s political and trade credit risk practice, where he developed bespoke risk management solutions.

He joined Willis in 2008 and has more than ten years’ experience in the credit and political risk market having previously headed up the credit and political risk team at Glencairn.

He said: “The CEEMEA region is a tremendously exciting place for our financial institution clients as they look to grow both organically and by acquisition. The emerging middle class in the CEEMEA region is amongst the fastest growing in the world. But there are a number of risk management challenges that are unique to the region.

“Mobile payment systems are far more advanced in CEEMEA than they are here in Europe, for example. Consequently, mobile telecoms companies are continuing to gain traction as non-bank financial institutions, particularly in locations where the population is ‘unbanked’ or ‘under-banked’.

“Faced with a very unique business operating environment, these firms and others require a much more sophisticated and nuanced approach to risk management.”

Mary O’Connor, global head of Willis Towers Watson’s FI industry, added: “Alex is a tremendous asset to our growing team. His detailed understanding of the insurance market combined with a deep knowledge of our clients’ individual needs will ensure Willis continues to offer the most tailored and comprehensive risk management programmes.

“The world has become even more diverse and complex – and riskier – making it increasingly challenging for organisations from all sectors to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. In this rapidly changing and challenging new world, organisations need a risk partner who truly understands their business as well as the environments in which they operate.”

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