People Moves: Willis Re Names Former Guy Carpenter Exec Fletcher as CEO of Bermuda; Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions Announces Retirement of Thofern as CEO for Germany
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Willis Re and Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions business.
A summary of these new hires follows here.
Willis Re Names Former Guy Carpenter Exec Fletcher as CEO of Bermuda
Willis Re, an international reinsurance broker and unit of WTW, announced the appointment of John Fletcher as chief executive officer, Willis Re Bermuda, effective immediately.
In this role, Fletcher will be responsible for leading Willis Re’s Bermuda platform, driving business growth and the continued development of an industry-leading team. He will oversee the execution and implementation of strategic plans aligned with the company’s objectives, overseeing all operational activities and ensuring the business remains agile and responsive to evolving market dynamics.
Fletcher brings over 35 years of experience across the reinsurance and retrocession sectors and is recognized as one of Bermuda’s most experienced practitioners. Throughout his career, he has built extensive expertise in delivering customized reinsurance solutions and developed long-standing relationships with clients and market participants worldwide.
Fletcher joins Willis Re from Guy Carpenter, where he most recently served as CEO of Bermuda, having led the firm’s operations on island since 2018. He originally relocated to Bermuda in 2013 to head Guy Carpenter’s property retrocession team.
Commenting on the appointment, Lucy Clarke, board member of Willis Re, said: “John is one of the most respected figures in the Bermuda reinsurance market, with a career defined by strong leadership, deep technical expertise and lasting client relationships. As we continue to invest in and expand our Bermuda operations, his leadership and strategic perspective will be key to supporting our long-term ambitions and enhancing our market presence.”
Aon Announces Retirement of Thofern as Reinsurance CEO for Germany
Insurance broker Aon plc announced that Jan-Oliver Thofern, CEO of Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions Germany and chairman of the country board for Aon Germany, will retire from the firm effective January 1, 2027.
Thofern will retire after more than 30 years with the firm, having joined Aon in 1993. Following leadership roles in Germany and internationally across Aon’s reinsurance operations, he was appointed to the management board of Aon Deutschland Holding GmbH in 2008 and became CEO of Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions Germany.
He later assumed additional responsibility as chairman of the country board for all Aon solution lines in Germany.
“Jan-Oliver has played a key role in shaping Aon’s reinsurance platform in Germany. Under his leadership, the business has built strong client relationships, deep market expertise and an integrated team,” commented Tomas Novotny, chairman of international and CEO EMEA, Reinsurance Solutions for Aon. “Today, Aon Germany is very well positioned to support clients with innovative solutions and global capabilities. We are grateful to Jan-Oliver for his outstanding leadership and contributions over the years.”
Thofern was born in Stuttgart in 1964 and earned a Master of Business Administration in Management and Finance from the University of Wales, with a specialization in Banking. He began his career at Allianz Life Insurance Co., before joining Aon in 1993.
Until his retirement, Thofern will continue to perform his duties in full and his successor will be determined through the process already underway and announced in due course.
Thofern said: “It has been a privilege to lead Aon’s reinsurance business in Germany alongside a talented and highly motivated team, while helping to deliver strategic, cross-functional solutions for our clients, including those in the primary insurance market.”