Willis Towers Watson unveils new CEO to succeed Haley after Aon deal collapse

Willis Towers Watson has named its new chief executive to succeed John Haley.

In an announcement this morning (16 August), the company said Carl Hess (pictured) had been unanimously selected as president and CEO.

Hess is currently the group’s head of investment, risk and reinsurance, and will take on the president role with immediate effect.

He will succeed Haley as CEO upon the latter’s retirement on 1 January 2022, to allow for a period of transition, the group’s statement said.

The announcement follows the collapse of the company’s proposed merger with rival Aon, which fell through after nearly two years of preparation after the US Department of Justice sued to block the deal. Haley said earlier this month that he would retire from his role at the end of this year.

Hess has worked for Willis Towers Watson in its various guises since 1989. He spent more than 20 years in a variety of roles at Watson Wyatt before its 2010 merger with Towers Perrin.

At the resultant company, Towers Watson, Hess was managing director of its investment business. Prior to his current role, he was co-leader of Willis Towers Watson’s North American business.

Chairman Victor Ganzi said: “Following a thorough, multi-year succession planning process, including input from a third-party consultant to assess the experience and attributes of potential internal and external candidates, the board is confident Carl is the right person to guide the company forward.

“Carl is an exceptional leader with a strong track record of delivering results, depth of experience and understanding across Willis Towers Watson’s various businesses and a proven ability to bring together and motivate colleagues across the company to deliver value for clients and shareholders. We look forward to his continued contributions as president and future CEO.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank John for his years of thoughtful leadership and continued guidance during this transition.”

John Haley added that Hess had “played a key role in the evolution and growth of Willis Towers Watson” during his career.

“I’m confident that with his leadership, Willis Towers Watson will continue to offer a compelling colleague experience, innovate and adapt to address client needs, deliver significant value for our shareholders and better the communities in which we live and work,” Hely added.

Hess said he was “honoured” by the appointment and “excited to fulfill our purpose for the benefit of our clients and all of our stakeholders: to create clarity and confidence today for a more sustainable tomorrow”.

“Thanks to John’s leadership, Willis Towers Watson is well positioned to compete vigorously across our businesses around the world,” Hess added.

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