Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Location: London

Reports to: Interim CEO

Role Overview

We are looking to hire a highly experienced Chief Risk & Compliance Officer to lead Willis Re’s Risk and Compliance functions and oversee regulatory compliance globally. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping the strategy and direction of the compliance function, overseeing regulatory risk management and driving a culture of integrity and proactive risk mitigation across the business. You will work closely with internal business, operations and various functional key stakeholders to support the achievement of business targets and objectives, and to comply with and fulfil regulatory obligations and expectations. This role falls under SMF16 Senior Manager Regime in the UK and is accountable for oversight of regulatory compliance across the firm, ensuring the organisation meets its obligations under the FCA and PRA rulebooks, SM&CR requirements, and all applicable (re)insurance legislation.

Role Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight & Assurance: design, implement and maintain a robust Risk & Compliance Framework; ensure clear allocation of responsibilities between first- and second-line functions; oversee Risk and Compliance monitoring, testing, incident management and regulatory breach reporting; lead relevant change programmes aligned to the reinsurance industry and assess business impacts;
• Regulatory Engagement: act as the company’s contact with the FCA and other regulatory bodies for conduct, risk and compliance matters; lead responses to regulatory enquiries, thematic reviews, skilled persons’ reviews and supervisory visits; ensure timely and high-quality regulatory submissions and attestations;
• Governance & Board Advisory: provide independent, objective risk and compliance advice and challenge to the board; present regular reporting, including risk indicators and emerging regulatory themes; support the board in meeting its SM&CR obligations in the UK Financial Crime, Conduct & Customer Protection; champion high standards of conduct and ethical behaviour across the company; oversee frameworks for AML, sanctions compliance and anti-bribery and corruption; oversee compliance with product governance and complaints requirements as well as other relevant consumer protection regulations;
• Risk Management: develop, implement and maintain the company’s Enterprise Risk Management framework; lead risk identification, assessment and monitoring across the business, including horizon scanning for emerging risks; oversee scenario analysis and stress testing (where appropriate); own and maintain risk and compliance policies, procedures and standards; ensure effective coordination with relevant internal stakeholders; oversee remediation programmes and root cause analysis of compliance failings;
• Whistleblowing & Speak-Up Culture: oversee the effectiveness and independence of whistleblowing arrangements; ensure whistleblowing issues are appropriately escalated and addressed at board level;
• Leadership & Culture: lead and develop the Risk and Compliance function, ensuring suitable resourcing, capability and independence; promote a culture of integrity, ethical decision-making, and accountability throughout the company.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Previous senior risk and compliance leadership experience within UK (re)insurance or regulated financial services ideally at a reinsurance broker;
• Strong working knowledge of FCA and PRA regimes, including SM&CR;
• Demonstrated experience engaging credibly with regulators (UK, EU and overseas) and Boards;
• Experience in obtaining and expanding regulatory authorisations;
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgement and effective challenge;
• Experience holding SMF16 and/or SMF17 in a (re)insurance firm;
• Exposure to multi-entity or complex regulated group structures;
• Professional compliance, legal or risk qualifications;
• Experience in leading and developing compliance teams within complex international organisations;
• High ethical standards and the ability to make decisions that balance regulatory compliance with business objectives;
• Calm and resilient under pressure;
• Commercially pragmatic whilst maintaining regulatory standards.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, orientation, or any other legally protected categories. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please email us at talentacquisition@willisre.com.