NEW YORK (Bloomberg) ? Willis Group Holdings Ltd., the world?s third-largest insurance broker, was sued for gender bias by a former vice-president who says women were paid less than men and denied high-profile assignments and promotions.

Adrianne Cronas?s lawsuit, filed yesterday in Manhattan federal courts, accuses London-based Willis of a ?pattern and practice of sex discrimination.? The suit seeks class action, or group, status on behalf of women who worked at or above the level of assistant vice-president.