Willis grew profit by 12% to $US246 million ($264.98 million) in the quarter to March 31 on a stronger performance in North America and emerging markets.

CEO Dominic Casserley says fees and commissions from Australasia fell, but by less than 1%.

The international broker’s revenue grew 4% to $US1.09 billion ($1.17 billion).

Mr Casserley announced a plan to cut expenses that should deliver cost savings of $US420 million ($452.4 million) to 2017 and $US300 million ($323.14 million) a year after 2018.

He says the reinsurance business had a strong quarter but this was offset by the UK retail and specialty insurance operation.