Willis Towers Watson's new leadership to focus on making 'better decisions', faster execution

Willis Towers Watson has reorganised its global leadership structure to drive the company forward with greater "clarity and confidence" as it races to "compete vigorously and innovate quickly" on the heels of its collapsed mega-merger deal with rival Aon.

As John Haley passes the baton to new chief executive (CEO) Carl Hess (pictured), and Andrew Krasner returns back to WTW as its chief financial officer (CFO) early next year, the company's leadership and strategy will see some significant changes.

WTW's new global leadership team will be made up of leaders representing three geographies (Europe, International and North America), two segments and various corporate functions. Its results will be reported in two segments - Risk and Broking, and Health, Wealth and Career. The corporate functions will be expanded to include two new focus areas: operations and transformation.

Haley said the idea is to strengthen teamwork and foster collaboration within the company through a "balanced approach", and enable it to make "better decisions", which leads to faster execution once a decision is made.

“This Global Leadership Team will work together to guide strategy, priorities, investments and engagement across Willis Towers Watson on behalf of all stakeholders, including colleagues, clients, shareholders and communities,” explained Hess, president of WTW. “I’m excited to work with these leaders to build on our already strong foundation and fulfill our purpose to create clarity and confidence today for a more sustainable tomorrow.”

The key highlights of WTW's new global leadership team include: Adam Garrard heading the Risk and Broking segment, while Julie Gebauer leading its Health, Wealth and Career segment.

Joe Gunn, currently head of North America, will become the chairman of Corporate Risk and Broking North America; John Bremen, currently managing director of Human Capital & Benefits, will develop an internal corporate research and development function called "Innovation & Acceleration"; and Nicolas Aubert will remain as head of Great Britain and CEO of Willis until he departs the company.

Alexis Faber will serve as the company's chief operating officer (COO); Anne Pullum as head of Europe; Imran Qureshi as head of North America; and Pamela Thomson-Hall as head of International.

Alastair Swift will continue as head of global lines of business – Risk and Broking. He will become CEO of Willis, replacing Aubert, subject to regulatory and other approvals.

Commenting on the changes, WTW chief executive Haley said: “The leaders named today are highly accomplished and embody the true spirit of one Willis Towers Watson. This Global Leadership Team consists of voices across our geographies, segments and functions."

" Willis Towers Watson is well positioned to compete vigorously and innovate quickly across our businesses around the world,” he added.

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