Willis Towers Watson has appointed Matthew Frost as Head of Risk Advisory Australasia, effective from October.

Mr Frost was previously miner BHP’s VP of risk finance and has worked closely with Willis Towers Watson as a client. He has also worked for drinks-maker Diageo and earlier in his career was employed by Willis in the UK.

“Having been involved with our business as a client for many years, he will bring a fantastic fresh perspective to our Australasian team,” COO and Head of International Risk and Analytics Rob de Jonge said.

Head of Australasia Simon Weaver says businesses are seeking help reviewing risk financing strategies in a hardening market.

Financial institutions and catastrophe-exposed businesses, in particular, want expert advice as they face increased premiums, reduced capacity and imposition of higher self-insured retentions.

Mr Frost will be based in Melbourne and report to Mr Weaver.