Joe Plumeri is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis Group Holdings plc. Under Joe’s 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, a dedication to transparency and passionate client service. Appointed in October 2000, when Willis was privately owned by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, he successfully returned the company to public ownership in 2001. In 2008, he spearheaded Willis’ $2.1 billion acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs (HRH), one of the largest insurance brokerage deals of the last decade.
During his tenure, Joe has cultivated a One Flag culture of teamwork centered on the Willis Client Advocate® model and Glocal service, delivering the breadth of Willis’ global expertise through more than 400 local offices in nearly 120 countries. Those offices include The Willis Building in London, opened in 2008, and Willis Tower in Chicago (formerly known as Sears Tower), which was renamed in 2009. Willis Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Leading an Industry
Joe has been a leader in the insurance industry in an era of unprecedented change. Over the last decade, he has pressed for greater transparency, client service and innovation throughout the industry. He has led the fight against contingent commissions, the controversial year-end bonuses insurance companies pay brokers for increasing premium volume and profitability – payments which can lead to conflicts of interest. In 2004, Willis published its ground-breaking Client Bill of Rights and in 2010 further crystallized its commitment to service in The Willis Cause, a concise articulation of what it means to be the world’s greatest insurance broker and risk adviser.
In recognition of these efforts, St. John’s University School of Risk Management named Joe 2006 Insurance Leader of the Year. In 2009 and 2010, he was named to Treasury & Risk magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People in Finance.”
Long Career in Financial Services
Prior to joining Willis, Joe had 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. He 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.
Many Philanthropic Endeavors
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 impact on the reputation of the insurance industry, and by the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 2010 for his career achievements. He was named Grand Marshal for the 2011 New York City Columbus Day Parade. 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.
Among his many philanthropic endeavors, Joe funded the construction of the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, the headquarters of the New Jersey Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The facility was named in honor of his parents with a $2 million gift – the largest single contribution from an individual donor in the history of the organization. In 2011, he received the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s inaugural Philanthropist of the Year Award. He also contributed more than $1 million to the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, for the development of the school’s new sports complex, named in honor of his late son, Christian.
He currently serves on the boards of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse,
Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Jackie Robinson Foundation,
Carnegie Hall and the Churchill Centre and Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms in London. A sports fan and lifelong athlete, Joe was 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.
Early Life
Born in Trenton, NJ, Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and education from The College of William and Mary and attended New York Law School. William & Mary awarded Joe an Honorary Doctor of Public Service in 2011. Upon receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Joe delivered a speech to the 2011 graduating class – “Go Play in Traffic (and follow the signs along the road)” – that was recognized as one of the best commencement addresses of the year.