Towers Watson boosts crisis management
Towers Watson has appointed two veteran industry specialists to lead its crisis management business. Paul Bassett will be managing director of the firm’s global crisis management group, and Justin Priestley will head its crisis management consulting practice within that group. Both will be based in London.
Towers Watson’s integrated crisis management business combines traditional broking with consultancy services. It provides risk transfer and consulting solutions, mitigating exposure against a wide range of risks, such as terrorism; hostile environments; kidnap, ransom and extortion; and product recall.
Bassett, who joins on April 2, was formerly global chief executive officer of Aon Crisis Management. Over the last 15 years, he has established himself as one of the leading global experts and advisers in assisting corporations and insurers in managing crisis situations. Prior to that, he was an officer in the British Army specialising in bomb disposal and high risk search, and was awarded the Military Cross.
Priestley also joins from Aon Crisis Management. In his new role, which he begins in May, he will focus on developing clients’ risk assessment capabilities; safety and security policies; and business continuity measures; including terrorism and kidnap; and ransom threat. He too moved into the business world following a military career in counter terrorism and bomb disposal. Priestley received The George Medal for gallantry in 2000.
