January 18, 2007
New York, NY -
Joe Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings Limited,
was named 2006 Insurance Leader of the Year at the 12th Annual
Insurance Leader of the Year Award Dinner, sponsored by the School of Risk Management,
Insurance and Actuarial Science (SRM) of St. John’s University.
The benefit dinner, held at the New York Marriott Marquis last
night, raised $2 million – a record amount – for student
scholarships and programs at SRM. More than 1,400 industry leaders
attended the event. Henry R. Kravis, Founding Partner of Kohlberg
Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc. served as Honorary Chairman for the
dinner.
Photo Gallery
“Our students, most of whom come from diverse and modest
economic backgrounds, will be the direct beneficiaries of the high
regard in which Joe Plumeri is held by the insurance industry
worldwide,” said Dr. Ellen Thrower, Executive Director of the St.
John’s School of Risk Management. She also commented on Mr.
Plumeri’s generous personal contribution to SRM, which he announced
at the dinner. “Joe surprised us all with his announcement of a
generous gift to establish a student leadership program to be named
in honor of his parents, Samuel and Josephine Plumeri. What a
perfect and meaningful way to conclude this dinner.”
The “Insurance Leader of the Year Award,” presented annually
since 1995, recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals
whose leadership in the worldwide insurance and financial services
industry sets them apart from their peers. Past recipients are Peter B.
Lewis, Chairman of The Progressive Corporation; Brian
Duperreault, Chairman of ACE Limited; John T. (Jack) Sinnott, Vice
Chairman, Office of the CEO, MMC; Paul B. Ingrey, Retired Chairman
& CEO of Arch Worldwide Insurance and Reinsurance Group; John
J. (Jack) Byrne, Retired Chairman & CEO of White Mountains
Insurance Group Ltd.; Ronald E. Ferguson, Retired Chairman and CEO
of General Re Corporation; Robert Clements, Chairman of Integro
Ltd.; Maurice R. (Hank) Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of C.V. Starr
& Company; Patrick G. Ryan, Executive Chairman of Aon Group;
Sir David Rowland, former Chairman of Lloyd’s of London; and Edward
J. Muhl, former Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New
York.
“This is a very humbling experience,” said Mr. Plumeri during
his acceptance speech. “I would not be standing here tonight
without the support from those I have worked and teamed with
throughout my career. I believe that none of us are ever as good as
all of us. I love working in the insurance industry and I thank the
industry for embracing me with this great honor.”
The School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science
was founded in 1901 as The Insurance Society of New York and over
the years, evolved into a fully accredited College, The College of
Insurance. In June 2001, the College merged with St. John’s
University and became a school of the Peter J. Tobin College of
Business. The SRM continues its 100-year tradition of preparing
students for successful careers and active leadership in the
diverse world of insurance, risk management and financial services.
Located in New York City’s downtown financial district, the SRM
awards undergraduate, MBA, and MS degrees in the insurance, risk
management, and actuarial science disciplines. Through its Center
for Professional Education the SRM also provides education,
training and consulting services to industry, governments and
regulators worldwide.
For further information, please contact Maureen Furlong-Weber at
(212) 277-5111.