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.
Willis takes Zurich chief as CEO
Willis has appointed David Martin as chairman and CEO of its UK retail business.
Outgoing Willis chief will still "suit up" after departure
Outgoing Willis chief Joe Plumeri insists he will still "suit up" after he departs the global broker next year.
Giles reaches down under for corporate risks chief
Giles has appointed John Leckie as branch director, corporate risks.
Biba welcomes private equity capture of Premium Credit
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) has welcomed GTCR's acquisition of Premium Credit.
Axa goes to QBE for new Reading underwriter
Axa Commercial Lines and Personal Intermediary has appointed Karen Young as senior underwriter for its Reading branch.
Willis chief hails "impressive turnaround" of its UK business
The "impressive turnaround" of Willis' UK business during the third quarter of 2012 was welcomed despite the broking giant seeing its net income drop by a third, according to its latest financial results.
Willis appoints new group CEO
Willis Group has appointed Dominic Casserley as chief executive officer, effective from 7 January 2013.
Choosing an insurer: Avoiding the money trap
The rush to the bottom over price by customers can only hurt the industry, but brokers are well placed to stop the rot by offering their clients advice on the difference that choosing the right insurer can make.
Travelers appoints Willis man as Europe COO
Travelers has appointed Matthew Wilson as chief operating officer (COO), Europe, which includes responsibility for its UK operations.
Miller appoints Willis man to corporate risks division
Miller has appointed Jeremy Dutton as a client service executive on its corporate risks team.
Willis welcomes 12 new network recruits
Willis has confirmed that 12 new members have joined its networks taking its tally for the year to 22.
Giles expands in Scotland with Falkirk appointments
Giles Insurance Brokers has appointed Ian Smith as branch director of its Falkirk office.
Revenues flat at Willis
Willis Group has reported a fall in commissions and fees to $837m [£538.6m] in the second quarter of 2012, down from $852m in the same period of 2011.
Towergate goes to Aon for new broking sales director
Towergate Insurance has appointed Lisa Bartlett as divisional sales director within retail broking.
Aviva quashes Willis Networks split speculation
Aviva and Willis Networks have both rubbished rumours that the two companies are to end their relationship.
2012 British Insurance Awards shortlist revealed
The brokers shortlisted for the British Insurance Awards (BIA) have been revealed by sister publication Postonline.
Clark Thomson reveals new MD and chairman
Scottish broker Clark Thomson has appointed Ben Bailey as managing director and Ian Bowie as chairman.
Willis has good Q1 but UK performance drags
Willis has had a good start to 2012 delivering $225m (£139m) in net income for the first quarter compared to $35m in the same period last year.
Simply Business and Willis aim to change broker market for SME
Willis Networks has revealed its exclusive partnership arrangement with Simply Business to provide members with a new comparative electronic portal for SME business.
Willis unveils new electronic portal with Simply Business
Willis has teamed up with Simply Business to launch Willis eQuote, a new e-trading comparison platform exclusively for Willis Network members.
Motor premiums start heading downwards
Prices for comprehensive car cover fell by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2012, the first time in almost four years that car insurance premiums have seen any reduction, according to the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.
E Coleman buys Foster Leighton and targets expansion into Cornwall
Poole-based broker E Coleman has acquired Foster Leighton in Exeter for an undisclosed sum.
Ex-Willis Networks MD Phil Scarrett joins ECIC
Phil Scarrett has been appointed as sales and marketing director for the Electrical Contractors’ Insurance Company (ECIC).
Sarah Lyons "on leave" from Giles
Sarah Lyons, group managing director of Giles Insurance Brokers, has left the company and is in the process of addressing "certain contractual issues”.