Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company has announced the appointment of David Martin as chairman and ceo of its UK retail business, effective 21st January, 2013. The appointment of Martin to the senior post completes the restructure of Willis International's leadership under International ceo Tim Wright. Martin joins Willis UK from Zurich Insurance Group, where he led global sales and distribution for Zurich's $33 billion general insurance business.

Martin's roles prior to joining Zurich include 16 years with Aon, where he was managing director of UK Corporate, and positions at Bank of America and Cigna. At Willis, Martin will report to Wright and lead a business comprising 1,100 Associates in 22 offices across the UK. Martin will also have a secondary reporting line to Steve Hearn, deputy ceo, Willis Group and ceo Willis Limited.

Wright and Hearn have directed Martin, as he comes on-board, to drive greater connectivity between Willis UK Retail and Willis Global, the specialist business arm of the Willis Group, both of which are headquartered in London.