Joe Plumeri is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis Group Holdings plc. Under his leadership, Willis has strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading insurance brokers through sector-leading organic growth and operating margins, strategic expansion, and a dedication to transparency and passionate client service. Appointed in October 2000 when Willis was privately owned by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Joe successfully returned the company to public ownership in 2001. In 2008, he spearheaded the $2.1 billion acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs (HRH), the largest insurance brokerage deal in the last decade.
During his tenure, Joe has cultivated a “One Flag” culture of teamwork centered on the Client Advocate® service model and Glocal service – the ability to deliver the full breadth of Willis’ global resources and expertise through some 400 local offices across 190 countries. Those offices include The Willis Building in London, opened in 2008 opposite Lloyd’s, and Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower, renamed in 2009) in Chicago, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Joe has been a leader in the insurance industry in an era of unprecedented scrutiny and change. During this time, he has pressed for greater transparency, client service and innovation at Willis and throughout the industry. In 2004, Willis became the first – and only – insurance broker to abolish the practice of accepting contingent commissions for retail clients and the first to establish a Client Bill of Rights. In recognition of his efforts to drive positive change, St. John’s University School of Risk Management named him 2006 Insurance Leader of the Year.
Prior to joining Willis, Joe enjoyed a 32-year career at Citigroup and its predecessor companies. As CEO of Citibank North America, he led the integration of the consumer businesses at Citicorp and Travelers Group. Joe also served as Chairman and CEO of Travelers Primerica Financial Services, Vice Chairman of the Travelers Group, and President and Managing Partner of Shearson Lehman Brothers.
An active and committed community leader, Joe has been honored by numerous civic and philanthropic organizations, including the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation in 2009 for his personal philanthropy and positive impact on the reputation of the insurance industry, and by the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 2010 for his motivational leadership style and pursuit of excellence. He also has been honored by the Sons of Italy Foundation, the Intrepid Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, among others.
Joe currently serves on the boards of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and American Friends of the Churchill Museum in London. A sports fan and lifelong athlete, Joe was a Commissioner of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority from 1997 to 2004. He also is co-owner of two New Jersey minor league baseball teams – the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and the Lakewood BlueClaws, the Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
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