WTW looks to ‘materially scale’ M&A business with key executive moves

Global broker  WTW (Willis Towers Watson) has unveiled executive changes in corporate risk & broking business to help “materially scale” its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice in the US.

Mark Rusas will now focus exclusively on leading the M&A practice within corporate risk & broking (CRB), North America, with Steven Reiss appointed to lead the Northeast region for CRB.

Reiss will replace Rusas, who was previously serving in both capacities. Having created the M&A practice in 2003, Rusas’ tenure has evolved to concurrently lead both the M&A business and the CRB Northeast region; he will now focus 100% of his talents on the progression and growth of  WTW’s M&A practice.

Reiss will transition from his current role as the CRB head for Philadelphia to lead the Northeast CRB region, where he’s said to have delivered “transformational growth” across the greater Philadelphia market since joining in 2018, and has established deep relationships across the region.

Reiss joined  WTW from Chubb North America. He has worked closely with Rusas during his tenure at WTW, and his leadership experience has enabled him to “attract differentiated intellectual capital to  WTW”.

Brad Messinger,  WTW Northeast geography leader, commented: “Steve’s expertise has enabled him to deliver a compelling value proposition for our clients and colleagues in Philadelphia. His continued focus on industry specialisation, value creation, attracting talent, and winning clients will be the reason our Northeast Region continues to succeed.”

Rusas said: “I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to materially scale  WTW’s M&A business, building on brand and value proposition, while focused on diligence, insurance, benefits administration and the delivery of risk management advisory services solely focused on strategic and financial buyers and their portfolio of company investments.

“Our focus on M&A is a clear demonstration of how specialisation and a compelling value proposition generate market leading growth,” he added.

Mike Liss, head of CRB North America, added: “Mark’s leadership has guided the Northeast region to a successful and growing operation for nearly five years, and Steve is well-positioned to take over and continue the momentum. Mark has been a leader in developing our M&A business, and we are grateful for his commitment to delivering superb value to our clients in the space.”

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