James Baum has been appointed WTW head of Australia and New Zealand from July 15. 

He will also be head of corporate risk and broking for the region.

Mr Baum spent almost 19 years in leadership roles at Aon, and was Aon Australia CEO for almost four years before moving to London as global head of wholesale and specialty broking. He left that position late last year.  

“James is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience and has a proven track record of supporting growth and managing business operations,” WTW head of international Pamela Thomson-Hall said.  

“We’ve made tremendous progress and built great foundations for growth in Australasia in recent years thanks to Simon Weaver, and now with James’ leadership we are poised to take this to the next level.”  

Mr Weaver, who will continue as head of the global broker’s Asia-Pacific operations, says Mr Baum will “supercharge our growth and fulfill our ambition to build a sustainable and thriving business”.

Mr Baum, who spent more than 12 years at Marsh and Sedgwick before Aon, says it is a time of significant opportunity in Australasia. 

“I am looking forward to being part of this next phase and seeing WTW in Australasia realise its full potential. WTW is well positioned to compete in the market. The company is winning new business and bringing the best solutions and talent.”