James Hole to Lead Strategic Growth Efforts for Towers Watson Brokerage Business

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global professional services company Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW) has announced that James W.B. Hole will lead the company’s strategic growth efforts for its global insurance and reinsurance brokerage business. In this role, Mr. Hole will be responsible for identifying and executing on strategic growth opportunities, including mergers, acquisitions and strategic talent procurement.

“Jamie’s depth and breadth of knowledge will continue to be of tremendous value to our clients as we expand the scope of our service offerings. I look forward to working with him as part of our global leadership team.”

Mr. Hole is currently a global sales and practice development leader for brokerage, risk consulting and software for property & casualty and corporate business. He will retain this position in addition to his new responsibilities.

Mr. Hole has been actively involved in business development and acquisition efforts since joining Towers Watson in 1994. He also led efforts to align the company’s broad insurance consulting capabilities more closely with the brokerage operation to better assist clients with their risk and capital management requirements — from identification of needs and strategy development, to execution.

Patricia L. Guinn, head of Towers Watson’s Risk and Financial Services business segment, said: “Jamie’s appointment reflects the importance of brokerage as part of our differentiated value proposition for the insurance industry. I am delighted to have Jamie take the lead on identifying and executing on strategic opportunities to grow our business and to expand our ability to serve our clients.”

Mr. Hole led the growth of Towers Watson’s brokerage operations in the Florida property insurance market, including the use of capital partners to develop new windstorm capacity. He also played a key role in the company’s acquisition and integration of EMB, a leading property & casualty consulting and software company. In addition, he was involved in the expansion of its brokerage business in Continental Europe, and its heightened focus on risk analytics and optimization services.

Ross Howard, who becomes head of the global brokerage business on October 1, added: “Jamie’s depth and breadth of knowledge will continue to be of tremendous value to our clients as we expand the scope of our service offerings. I look forward to working with him as part of our global leadership team.”

Towers Watson Brokerage

Towers Watson provides reinsurance and insurance intermediary services and consulting expertise, as well as capital market broker/dealer capabilities. The company advises clients about risk and capital management, and helps them execute comprehensive solutions that achieve broad, cost-effective coverage.

About Towers Watson

Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW) is a leading global professional services company that helps organizations improve performance through effective people, risk and financial management. The company offers solutions in the areas of benefits, talent management, rewards, and risk and capital management. Towers Watson has 14,000 associates around the world and is located on the web at towerswatson.com.