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.
JLT buys Towers Watson’s reinsurance brokerage business
Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) has agreed to pay US$250m (£156m) in cash for Towers Watson’s reinsurance brokerage business.
Expertise in Action: Technology: Open to attack
Despite several high-profile cyber attacks on major corporations, the insurance industry is still behind the times when it comes to cyber liability. How can it catch up?
RK Harrison takes on Aon duo to bolster fine art team
RK Harrison has turned to Aon as part of its fine art team expansion push.
Lorica adds seven
Lorica Insurance Brokers has appointed seven new starters in roles based in London, Birmingham and Hemel Hempstead.
Willis profits slip and UK business falls
Willis Group has revealed a fall in half year profits to $324m [£210.8m] for the start of 2013, down from $333m in 2012.
Willis Networks rebuilds membership
Willis’ networks division has added 12 new members.
Raft of senior changes at Willis-acquired Prime Professions
A raft of directorial changes has taken place at Willis' recently-acquired professional indemnity specialist Prime Professions.
Barbican goes to Willis for new cyber underwriter
Barbican Group Holdings has appointed Jayne Goddard as cyber underwriter in the company’s specialty division.
Willis in talks to sell SME business to network member
Willis is in talks to sell part of its direct commercial business portfolio in England to a member of its commercial network.
Towergate appoints Willis president to Paymentshield role
Towergate has appointed Brendan McCafferty as commercial director at Paymentshield reporting to CEO Tim Johnson.
Willis counters business fraud threat with crime policy launch
Willis has reacted to the threat businesses face from fraud and other criminal activity with the launch of a new offering.
McCann to replace Plumeri at Willis
Willis has confirmed that Jim McCann will succeed Joe Plumeri as non-executive chairman when he retires in July.
Market reacts to Aviva and Willis Networks split
Network pressures symptomatic of insurer scrutiny on profitability, say brokers
Willis swoops for PI specialist Prime Professions
Willis has bought professional indemnity (PI) specialist Prime Professions.
Networks issue rallying cry despite Aviva and Willis split
Broker networks have insisted they still have a crucial role in the market place despite Aviva's decision to withdraw from the Willis Network.
Willis Network bullish despite Aviva withdrawal
Willis Network has shrugged off its split with Aviva, insisting that it chose not to strike a deal with Aviva to extend its relationship beyond December 2013.
Aviva splits with Willis Networks
Aviva will not be renewing its participation as an insurer panel member for Willis Networks as of 31 December 2013.
Willis secures Chartered broker status
Willis has been awarded Chartered insurance broker status for its UK business.
Willis COO Ghezzi to leave
Willis is to part company with chief operating officer Gioia Ghezzi as part of the broker’s programme of 200 job cuts, sister-title Post has reported.
Willis deputy Sullivan set to leave
Willis has confirmed that Martin Sullivan, the group’s deputy chairman, will leave in May 2013 “to pursue other interests”.
Willis loses $805m in final quarter 2012
Willis Group has reported a net loss of $805m [£514.4m] for the final three months of 2012 compared with a profit of $25m in the same period of 2011.
Derby broker chases GWP growth with quartet of hires
Derby-based commercial insurance broker Bell & Co has appointed four new staff members.
Aon offers bonus delay to avoid 50% tax
Aon has given staff the option of deferring their 2012 bonuses until the new tax year.
Young women drivers impacted by EU gender directive
Women drivers aged between 17 and 20 saw motor premiums increase by an average of 16.4% between September and December 2012.