Former AIG Chief Executive Martin Sullivan has made a shock return to the market with broker Willis.

Mr Sullivan who left AIG two years ago will head up a newly formed unit at the broker which is aimed a targeting the major risks and corporate clients.

Joe Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings announced the move adding: “To meet the insurance and risk management needs of global organizations, we believe Willis will be second to none in the level, quality and expertise of the service it provides to clients from continent to continent and on the seas in between.

“Across the length and breadth of the insurance industry, a client would be hard pressed to find a more experienced or skilled expert than Martin Sullivan.Martin’s deep, strong and lasting connections to all segments of the insurance industry will be an enormous asset to Willis, working for our current and future clients in the type of role that has earned him well-deserved recognition over many decades in our business.”

Mr Sullivan will join the firm as Deputy Chairman of Willis Group Holdings and Chairman and CEO of the new business unit, Willis Global Solutions, which will oversee brokerage and risk management advisory services for Willis’s multinational and global accounts. Mr. Sullivan will be based in New York City.

In a statement Willis revealed: “As Chairman and CEO of Willis Global Solutions, Mr. Sullivan will work with Grahame Millwater, Willis Group President, to develop and manage a differentiated service proposition in the large account sector. Building on the differentiated global capabilities already in place at Willis, this new unit will distinguish the company as a significant player in the global marketplace positioned to serve the world’s largest clients and challenge entrenched brokers who have a significant share of multinational business.”

Mr Sullivan said: “In my four decades in the insurance industry, I have always had great admiration for the Willis organization and am delighted to have the opportunity of joining their senior management team. I look forward to working with Joe, Grahame and the team in building Willis Global Solutions into a significant service provider responding to the insurance and risk management needs of major companies around the world.”