Ed's group CFO departs; Willis exec named as successor

Ed, a reinsurance, wholesale and specialty broker formerly known as Cooper Gay, has appointed Neil Perry as the group chief financial officer (CFO), replacing Russell Benzies, who is leaving the group.

Perry will take up his role later on this year and report to group CEO Steve Hearn.

Perry joins Ed from Willis Towers Watson, where he served as finance director for the retail, London market and reinsurance divisions for nearly a decade.

Prior to Willis, he was the finance director of RSA’s Latin America division and RSA’s head of financial planning and analysis. He has also held senior positions at AXA Insurance, Wit Capital, AT Kearney and Beerworth & Partners and EY.

Group CEO Hearn said: "I am very pleased to welcome such a highly respected and experienced financial professional to Ed. Neil has built an exceptional track record in his thirty years in the financial services industry. He has extensive experience gained across every continent and his M&A and strategic planning expertise will be invaluable in achieving our ambitions. I look forward to working closely with him.

"I also want to thank Russell for his contribution to our business, he has been a key part of the creation of Ed and the transformation journey we have undertaken. We wish him all the best for the future."

Perry added: "I am excited to be joining the Ed team. It presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of the changing environment for wholesale brokers on a global scale."