Byng, who has worked at Willis for 23 years, is currently managing director of Willis Re's Japanese business. When he takes up his new role, his responsibilities will be taken over by Willis Re Tokyo CEO Yuji Takahashi and COO James Beedle. Japanese business run out of London will be overseen by Will Thompson, executive director, Willis Re, London.
n his new role, Byng will aid in the coordination of Willis Re teams that devise an array of property reinsurance programs for regional, national and global insurers and reinsurers. He will integrate and enhance the use of alternative risk financing tools and catastrophe and financial modeling services within Willis Re’s Property business. Byng will also help to drive Willis Re’s development of new property products, which will include using the activities of the Willis Research Network and Willis Re’s property reinsurance broking and analytic practitioners.
“James’ appointment reinforces our growth aspirations in one of our key classes of business and we are confident that his leadership will help streamline the work we do in Willis Re, further strengthening our offering to the market,” said Howard.
Byng started his 23-year tenure at Willis on the retail and wholesale side in the political and financial risks division, before moving to Advanced Risk Management Services, specialising in alternative risk financing. He joined Willis Re in 1996 and has since overseen the development of the reinsurance broker’s Japanese portfolio, with additional responsibilities for Australasia and the wider Asia-Pacific region in recent years.