Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Willis Group Holdings Limited
Since joining Willis in
October 2000, Joe has not only enhanced the company’s position as
one of the world’s leading insurance brokers, but has personally
led the brokerage industry in an era of unprecedented scrutiny and
change. Joe has guided Willis through a period of expansion built
on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, sector-leading margins
and an insistence on transparency and passionate client service.
His achievement in an industry that he only joined in 2000 was
acknowledged in 2006 when he was honored as the
Insurance Leader of the Year by St. John’s University School of Risk Management.
Soon after taking the Willis helm, Joe returned the company to
public ownership after a period of private ownership under Kohlberg
Kravis Roberts. Joe’s success at Willis has been built on the
creation of what he calls a “One Flag culture” centered on the
Client Advocate® model and Glocal service (global resources,
delivered locally). The model has proved successful with clients
and investors. Willis, the world’s oldest insurance broker, has led
the brokerage sector in many growth measurements for much of the
past several years.
Prior to joining Willis, Joe enjoyed a 32-year career at
Citigroup and its predecessor companies. One of his most notable
accomplishments involved the integration of the consumer businesses
at Citicorp and Travelers Group under his leadership as the CEO of
Citibanking North America. Following the merger that created
Citigroup, Joe’s responsibilities grew to include the post of
Chairman and CEO of Travelers Primerica Financial Services
division. Earlier, Joe served as Vice Chairman of the Travelers
Group and President and Managing Partner of Shearson Lehman
Brothers.
In addition to the St. John’s University award, Joe has been
honored by the Intrepid Foundation (2007 Salute Award in
recognition of business achievements and philanthropic activities),
the Make-a-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey (2006 Humanitarian of the
Year), the National Italian American Foundation (2004 Award for
Special Achievement in Business), Boy Scouts of America (2004 Good
Scout Award), The College of William and Mary (several awards) and
other organizations. He serves as a board member of the Visitors of
the College of William and Mary, the National Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse, American Friends of the Churchill Museum in
London and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. He was
Commissioner of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority from
1997 to 2004.
Born in Trenton, NJ, Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in
history and education from The College of William and Mary and also
attended New York Law School. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in
Somerset County, NJ. They have three grown children and two
grandchildren. A sports fan and athlete, Joe is co-owner of two New
Jersey minor league baseball teams – the Trenton Thunder and the Lakewood BlueClaws.