FRANCE – Watson Wyatt has named Jean Kimmel as new benefits practice leader at the firm’s Paris office with immediate effect.

Paris managing consultant Simon Desrochers has, until now, been filling both positions and will now hand over the benefits side to Kimmel.

Kimmel, 42, joined Watson Wyatt in May 2005 as a senior consultant. Before this he was at Hewitt for nine years where he was an international actuarial consultant.

With 17 years experience in benefits consultancy, he will be responsible for the expansion of the growing employee benefits practice in France.

His responsibilities will include all aspects of managing the 14-strong benefit consultant team, including training, development, service offering, marketing and client relationships.

“This is an exciting time to be leading benefits consultancy in the French market. Changing legislation in France means that companies need to be even more aware of the new risks and the opportunities this presents,” said Kimmel on his appointment.

“I am looking forward to managing all aspects of benefits consultancy in the French market, including the service offering, client relationships and training and development.”

Desrochers stated: “Jean has already proved to be a real asset to the benefits team in France.”