‘Magnet for talent’ WTW attracts Sompo GRS CEO for global leadership role

Global broker  WTW (Willis Towers Watson) has tapped a top Sompo International executive, who previously spent nearly 20 years at Chubb in senior roles, to spearhead its North America Corporate Risk and Broking (CRB) business as Mike Liss plans to exit in mid-2023.

Michael Chang (pictured), who served as co-leader of Sompo International’s global insurance and CEO of its Global Risk Solutions businesses for nearly six year, is set to join  WTW as head of CRB North America later this year, joining the company’s global leadership team.

He will take over from Liss who has revealed his intention to retire in Spring 2023 after over 16 years with  WTW.

WTW said Chang was a “pioneer of industry specialisation, spanning all lines of business, and an early adopter of the data and analytics-based approach”. Prior to joining Sompo, he spent nearly 20 years at Chubb in various senior roles, primarily in the large account space, including the leadership of Chubb’s Commercial Insurance Global Risk Management Group and Global Real Estate Unit.

Commenting on Chang’s appointment, Adam Garrard, Head of CRB, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Michael to  WTW.

“He [Chang] has a formidable reputation and a global perspective across the spectrum of both underwriting and distribution that will be of immense value to us,” said Adam Garrard,  WTW’s head of CRB. “In particular, his experience of developing both industry and product specialisation will help accelerate our strategy across North America, driving better outcomes for our clients. Michael’s background in technology, specialization, and data and analytics, combined with strong client connections, aligns perfectly with  WTW’s client advisory proposition.”

Garrard added that Chang’s arrival is an example of “ WTW being a magnet for talent, especially those who embrace innovation and forward-thinking.”

Garrard said Liss’ leadership during the last few years – particularly during the tremendous challenges that COVID-19 posed across North America – has been “nothing short of outstanding”.

“Liss’ incredible passion for  WTW, its people, and our industry has been second to none over a career that has spanned four decades. He has spent over 16 years with WTW, leading and developing our thriving Midwest region from his base in Chicago, before taking on the Head of CRB North America role in 2016. Today, CRB North America comprises more than 3,000 colleagues in 63 offices across the US, Canada and Bermuda.

“He will be handing over leadership of a strong performing business which Michael can now lead on the next stage of our journey.”

Chang commented: “This is an incredibly exciting time to join  WTW, a time of great opportunity for the company. It’s also a time of significant change for our clients as the risk landscape continues to evolve at a seemingly ever faster pace and one in which traditional insurance solutions are no longer the only answer.

“ WTW is a unique player in the industry. It’s focused first and foremost on people, technology, data and analytics and client advisory, then solutions, and all underpinned by deep industry specialization and technical knowledge. This is the future of broking and what clients are looking for. I’m looking forward to joining  WTW as it looks to redefine our industry.”

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