Stephen Cornforth has been appointed by Allianz Commercial to serve in the newly created position of property and casualty underwriting manager at the Chelmsford branch.

Cornforth will be tasked with creating technical underwriting solutions and fostering business relationships in the local area.

He brings over two decades of insurance experience to his role, and has held a broad range of positions during his lengthy career.

Cornforth has expressed his delight at his appointment, praising Allianz Commercial’s track record and his new colleagues.

Willis Group Holdings Limited has appointed Will Thoretz to serve as vice president of group communications, with immediate effect.

He brings with him a quarter of a century of experience and leaves behind VNU N.V. (now The Nielsen Company) where he worked as senior vice president and chief communications officer.

In his New York-based role, Thoretz will have responsibility for communications strategy both internally and externally across the globe.

He will also be tasked with leadership of the communications teams based on London and New York.

Thoretz is to be directly responsible to Valerie Di Maria, senior vice president and director of Group Marketing and Communications.

Valerie Di Maria has welcomed Thoretz to the firm, paying tribute to his tremendous experience particularly in media relations and financial communications.