SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF September 2002
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ten Trinity Square
London EC3P 3AX, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or
will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F of Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ___
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by
furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.)
Yes ___ No x
(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number
assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .)
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NEWS RELEASE Contact:
Investors: Kerry Calaiaro
+1 212 837-0880
Email: calaiaro_ke@willis.com
Media: Nick Jones
+ 44 20 7488-8190
Email: jonesnr@willis.com
Dan Prince
+1 212 837-0806
Email: prince_da@willis.com
WILLIS' NORTH AMERICAN LEADERSHIP: BUILDING ON SUCCESS
London, U.K., September 3, 2002 - Willis Group Holdings (NYSE:WSH), the global
insurance broker, today announces that Brian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of
its North American Retail operations, will retire in early January 2003. His
successor, who will report directly to Joe Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis
Group Holdings, will be in position by the end of the year.
In addition, Willis announces a major drive to add producers and the
reorganization of its regional offices to accelerate its growth in the key North
American market.
Congratulating Brian Johnson on his distinguished 36-year career at Willis and
its predecessor companies, Joe Plumeri said: "When I joined Willis two years
ago, Willis North America was in the midst of a broad-based improvement program,
the results of which are already clearly evident: accelerating revenues and
profits, improving margins and a motivated team focused on delivering best
service to our clients".
"These improvements are directly attributable to Brian's thoughtful, courageous
and decisive leadership. He has done a superb job to put the business on a sound
footing and we will now build on his accomplishments to execute the next stage
of our aggressive growth strategy in North America".
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In this regard the Group reaffirms its ability to offer the best and brightest
in the industry unparalleled growth opportunities and announces that it
anticipates bringing on an additional 100 new producers across North America by
year end. In addition, it is expanding the number of its regional divisions from
7 to 13. This reorganization will result in further opportunities for Regional
Executive Officers (REO) - and each REO being able to invest more time and
resources driving and reinforcing our client-focused approach and to growing and
developing their respective areas.
"We are ambitious and vigorously focused on our vision to be the world's best
insurance broker and risk management consultant" said Joe Plumeri. "Today's
announcements reflect that goal; we are actively seeking world-class talent
while managing the business to grow critical mass, secure economies of scale and
embed a truly client-driven culture".
Willis Group Holdings is a leading global insurance broker, developing and
delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and
human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public
entities and institutions around the world. With over 300 offices world-wide,
its global team of 13,000 associates serves clients in 180 countries. Willis has
particular expertise in serving the needs of clients in such major industries as
construction, aerospace, marine and energy. In June 2001 the Group returned to
public ownership and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Additional
information on Willis may be found on its web site www.willis.com
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
By: ___/s/ Mary E. Caiazzo_________
---------------------------------
Mary E. Caiazzo
Assistant General Counsel
Date: September 4, 2002
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