Willis Re has appointed Jim Summers as chief executive of global specialities, with immediate effect.

The international reinsurance broker said Mr Summers would lead strategy and growth across all speciality classes globally, while working with senior leadership to strengthen the firm’s platform and support its expansion plans.

Mr Summers has more than 40 years of experience in the Lloyd’s and international reinsurance broking markets.

He joins Willis Re from Guy Carpenter, where he was deputy CEO of global specialities and global head of marine and energy speciality. He joined Guy Carpenter in 2011.

Before that, he was CEO of Cooper Gay and Co Ltd, a role he took up in 2006.

Lucy Clarke, board member of Willis Re, said Mr Summers was “one of the most respected leaders in the global speciality market”.

She added: “As we continue to build a modern, client-focused reinsurance broking business, Jim will play a critical role in elevating our market standing and helping shape the future of our global business.”

Mr Summers said Willis Re was being built around evolving client needs.

He added: “The opportunity to join the company at this stage of its development is incredibly exciting.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to strengthen our speciality capabilities and deliver exceptional support to clients operating in an increasingly complex global risk environment.”

Willis Re is backed by co-founders Bain Capital and Willis Towers Watson.