Willis sues JLT following mass defection

Broker Willis has commenced legal proceedings against former employee David Gordon and Jardine Lloyd Thompson following his defection to the rival broker.

At the beginning of April, JLT Specialty poached more than 20 Willis executives to fill its specie, fine art and jewellery ranks. Gordon was appointed as chief executive officer of the division.

Willis is seeking damages for conspiracy and for breach of duty and wrongful interference in the proposed sale of its fine art, jewellery and specie division to Miller through a lawsuit brought before the High Court in London.

The broker said it had applied for an injunction to prevent JLT and Gordon from recruiting further Willis staff.  The judge found Willis had shown there was a serious issue of unlawful activity to be tried but did not grant the injunction as he considered the damage to Willis already done.

“Willis will always pursue legal redress against individuals and companies where we believe unlawful action has compromised the interests of our clients, our employees, the markets we work with and our shareholders. We will defend these interests robustly and intend to pursue this case vigorously to trial for the maximum recovery,” said Willis.