Willis Towers Watson
In 1828 Henry Willis began his career as a merchant selling imported goods on commission in the UK at the Baltic Exchange in London.
Willis applied for membership of Lloyd’s in 1848, where he started to broker insurance for the cargoes of commodities he sold on commission. As his enterprise grew, he became involved in the hull business, establishing himself in marine insurance and founding Henry Willis & Company.
Today WTW, created by the merger of Willis and Towers Watson in 2016, aims to provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital to help make organization more resilient, motivate workforces, and maximize performance. It operates in 140 countries and markets.
Clark Thomson joins Willis network as it buys Scottish SME unit
Deal sees broker become member of Willis Commercial Network.
Willis' takeover of Miller confirmed
Deal will see selected broking activities transfer between the two firms.
Willis promotes Philip Smaje as broking chief of new GB unit
Smaje steps up from aerospace role.
RFIB takes Hughes from Willis
Steve Hughes joins broker as divisional director for hull and war.
Premierline joins Willis Commercial Network
The Allianz owned business buys Willis's Businesscare as part of the deal.
Willis network re-elects governance chair
Roger Gaunt, of Gauntlet, voted in again as chair of Willis Commercial Network’s governance committee.
Price Forbes launches new accident and health division
Division to be led by Richard O'Brien and other former Willis staff.
Marsh takes three from Willis in Scotland push
Broker adds four people to its Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices.
Willis takes Aubert from AIG
Nicolas Aubert to become CEO of Willis UK Insurance.
Willis UK sees performance fall
Single mid-digit drop for Willis Insurance UK but retail division achieves modest growth.
Towers Watson warns of "bubbling cauldron of issues" in motor market
Big data, telematics and driverless cars all have the potential to shape motor insurance.
Willis and Miller in exclusive takeover talks
Willis to work with Miller Insurance Services to develop London-based wholesale specialist broker.
Aon tops list of world's largest brokers
Marsh and Willis are the next biggest brokers in the top 150.
Aon, Marsh and Willis should be fearful, says JLT’s Burke
CEO describes package of developments as “entirely logical”.
Gauntlet targets 20 more appointed reps
Latest recruit to work with accountancy firm.
Willis UK retail figures decline in second quarter
Company reports overall growth in Willis Insurance UK as “mid-single digit” fall in retail was offset by other units.
Willis UK CEO promoted to global placement role
New position created for David Martin.
Motor market sees tenth consecutive quarter of price drops
Research shows younger drivers gained most from premium reductions.
RSA confirms global broker team roles
Development coincides with retirement of Paul Donaldson.
Willis & Co expands with new Northern Ireland office
Broker receiving support from Invest NI to create new roles.
Willis claims UK first with launch of Shariah Compliant real estate insurance
New product is underwritten by Cobalt Underwriting and backed by QBE and XL.
Willis to axe or move up to 200 roles
Broker announced plans to relocate to cheaper locations in Q1 results.
First quarter profits up at Willis
Broker reports “disappointing” Q1 performance for global insurance unit including UK.
Willis appoints new CEO to replace Hearn
David Martin promoted to lead Willis Limited.