A veteran AIG executive is set to become the next CEO of Willis Group Holdings’ U.K. insurance arm, but the transition process will be a gradual one.

Nicholas Aubert has been named “chief executive officer designate” of Willis U.K. Insurance, a division that combines U.K. retail and global specialty businesses. He’ll serve in that slot in 2015, reporting to Steve Hearn, deputy CEO of Willis Group and the current Willis U.K. Insurance CEO. Willis said that Aubert will officially succeed Hearn as head of Willis U.K. Insurance after a transition period and various regulatory approvals.

Once that happens, Hearn will continue as group deputy CEO. Aubert, in his new role as head of Willis U.K. Insurance, will report to Willis Group CEO Dominic Casserley.

Casserley, in a prepared statement, said Aubert’s background in specialty and retail coverage both in the U.K. and elsewhere will help drive the company’s U.K. growth.

Willis is hiring Aubert away from his job as chief operating officer of American International Group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He was previously the AIG managing director in the U.K., where he helped shepherd its U.K. business insurance policy growth. He was first hired at AIG in 2002, according to Willis.

Aubert has also worked in previous management positions at ACE, CIGNA, GAN and GENERALI.

Source: Willis Group Holdings