Exclusive: Willis bolsters global aviation with Marsh's Kisor and HDI's Kangasniemi

By Michael Jones

April 29 - (The Insurer) - Willis has added to its global aviation and space senior leadership with the hires of Marsh's Stephen Kisor and HDI Global Specialty's Frida Kangasniemi, two senior aviation market sources told The Insurer.

The sources said that Kisor had resigned from his role as Marsh's U.S. aviation managing director and joined Willis with immediate effect. It is unclear exactly what position he has taken up.

Kangasniemi, who has spent the last five years as HDI Global Specialty's head of airlines, will serve as head of aviation, Nordics, upon completion of her contractual duties.

Willis has also hired Marsh's global head of aviation and space Garrett Hanrahan, who will join as president of global aviation and space, and AssuredPartners' aerospace managing director Joe Braunstein, two senior aviation market sources said.

The broker announced earlier this month that it had appointed Global Insurance Brokers' Anant Pawar as aviation and space leader for India.

A senior market source close to WTW said the hires form part of a global expansion drive at Willis' global aviation and space unit.

John Rooley, WTW's global aviation and space CEO, told The Insurer last year that the U.S. aerospace manufacturers market was one area of focus for expansion.

This came after WTW launched a German aviation and space retail operation, led by Besso Grimme Insurance Brokers' Christian Grimme.

WTW and Marsh declined to comment. HDI Global Specialty did not immediately respond to a request for comment.