Andrea Bellone joins Willis Capital Markets & Advisory as MD of European team

Willis Capital Markets & Advisory (WCMA),  the division of global broker Willis Group which focuses on capital markets products such as insurance-linked securities and catastrophe bonds, as well as advising insurance and reinsurance companies on mergers & acquisitions have announced the appointment of Andrea Bellone as Managing Director of their European unit. Based in London, Andrea will report to Michiel Bakker, Head of WCMA Europe, and will be responsible for WCMA clients in continental Europe, with a particular emphasis on Italy.

Andrea joins WCMA from London based ILS investment specialist Leadenhall Capital Partners, so will have valuable experience and knowledge of the European insurance-linked securities and reinsurance-linked investment market, prior to which he held roles at Fox-Pitt Kelton and Schroders/Citigroup. Andrea has 18 years experience in re/insurance and financial services investment banking advising on capital raising and M&A transactions across Europe.

Commenting on the appointment, Michiel Bakker said; “We are looking forward to welcoming Andrea to the team. He brings a wealth of relationships and industry experience and will help us to further build our franchise in Continental Europe.”

Tony Ursano, Global CEO of WCMA, said; “From a standing start in 2009, WCMA has built up a significant track record of M&A and capital markets transactions, consistent with our goal of having the highest quality insurance investment banking platform in the industry. Bringing Andrea Bellone on board is further evidence of our commitment to continue to build a strong franchise across multiple geographies.”

Willis Capital Markets & Advisory have participated in a number of recent catastrophe bond transactions, including as co-manager on East Lane Re V Ltd., co-manager on Mystic Re III Ltd. and structurer and bookrunner on the Golden State Re Ltd. cat bond. With a new focus on Europe this hire could help them participate in more cat bond deals with exposure to European perils. WCMA also operate an active secondary ILS trading desk.