Global advisory firm Willis Towers Watson has announced Matthew Frost as its new head of risk advisory Australasia.

Frost joins Willis Towers Watson after 17 years with BHP, where he most recently held the role of vice president risk finance, responsible for the strategic programme design, placement and maintenance of global risk financing programmes. Prior to BHP, he worked with Diageo in a senior insurance and risk finance role. Earlier in his career, he worked for Willis (now Willis Towers Watson) in the UK.

In his new role, Frost will be responsible for the further development and deployment of Willis Towers Watson’s risk advisory services in the region, including strategic and operational risk management, risk financing solutions and advanced risk and insurance analytics. The role will align closely with Willis Towers Watson’s international risk and analytics resources.

Frost will take up his new role on October 1 and will be based in Melbourne. He will report to Willis Towers Watson head of Australasia Simon Weaver.

“[B]usinesses are seeking help in reviewing their risk financing strategies and Willis Towers Watson is well-placed to deliver expert advice and options backed by global data and analytic models linked to our specialist insurance areas,” Weaver said. “Matt’s experience and Willis Towers Watson’s wider resources provide a uniquely comprehensive offering in this area.”

“Matthew is a key appointment reflecting synergy in our global risk & analytics approach and, having being involved with our business as a client for many years, he will bring a fantastic fresh perspective to our Australasian team,” Willis Towers Watson COO and head of international risk and analytics Rob De Jonge noted. “We are delighted to welcome him to Willis Towers Watson.”

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Meanwhile, Frost said he is thrilled to be joining Willis Towers Watson, and excited to build solid foundations with its risk management team.

“I also look forward to working alongside specialist broking teams including financial and executive risks, mining and natural resources and complex property and casualty,” Frost added. “The hardening market obviously provides challenges but also great opportunities for us to work together to achieve significant positive outcomes which provide value for clients.”