Willis accelerates growth in Japan with talent hires and expansion into specialty lines

Rhea-AI Summary

Willis (NASDAQ: WTW) has announced a significant expansion of its Japanese Corporate Risk & Broking team, highlighting its commitment to the Japanese market. The company has hired 22 new professionals across various divisions in 2025, including key appointments in Natural Resources, Construction specialty lines, and Large Account made in 2024.

The expansion comes as Japan's general insurance market is projected to grow from JPY11.7 trillion in 2024 to JPY12.7 trillion by 2028, with a CAGR of 2.2%. The country represents a significant marine insurance market, accounting for 11% of the world's fleet of vessels.

New hires span across Risk & Analytics, Facultative Reinsurance, Marine specialty line, Business Development, Large Account, and Claims, bringing expertise from major companies including Marsh, Aon, Tokio Marine, and others.

Positive

• Significant team expansion with 22 new professionals hired across key divisions
• Strategic growth in Japan's insurance market projected to reach JPY12.7 trillion by 2028
• Strong position in marine insurance with Japan representing 11% of global fleet vessels
• Enhanced expertise through hiring from major competitors and industry leaders

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – WTW

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On the day this news was published, WTW declined 0.82%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

TOKYO, Aug. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), today announced a significant expansion of its Japanese Corporate Risk & Broking team, signaling its strengthened commitment to the dynamic and evolving Japanese market. This talent expansion enhances Willis’ ability to meet rising demand from companies in Japan through deepened industry expertise, as well as providing insights, data and analytics to inform and better manage both insurance transactions and wider risk management for its clients.

Commenting on the growth of the team, Ryohei (Roy) Nakazawa, Head of WTW in Japan, said: “Japan is one of the world’s largest insurance markets and we are proud to be scaling up to drive better client outcomes. By bringing the best talent and building up our specialty capabilities, we are positioning ourselves to be a trusted risk advisor, specialty broker and client partner to Japanese companies navigating today’s complex risk landscape locally and those with an international business footprint.”

The Japanese general insurance market is projected to grow from JPY11.7 trillion (US$81.1 billion) in 2024 to JPY12.7 trillion (US$93.9 billion) by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%¹. “We see growth driven by commercial lines, digital transformation and risk advisory services amid global uncertainty. There is also rising risk awareness and demand for protection from businesses against climate change and natural catastrophes, cyber threats and supply chain disruptions,” added Roy. “In addition, the marine insurance sector continues to gain momentum as Japan remains one of the world’s top maritime nations, accounting for 11% of the world’s fleet of vessels². Its strategic position in global trade and its advanced maritime industry is fueling demand for marine cargo insurance solutions.”

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1 Source: GlobalData Report on Japan’s insurance industry
² Source: International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI)’s 2024 analysis of the global marine insurance market

For the first nine months of this year, Willis has hired 22 new professionals across its business, including for its brokerage service entity that was launched in October last year. These additions have significantly expanded its client-facing teams, alongside key appointments in its Natural Resources and Construction specialty lines and Large Account made in 2024.

Recent new roles hired this year spanned across Risk & Analytics, Facultative Reinsurance, Marine specialty line, Business Development, Large Account and Claims. Some of the new appointments included:

• Kosuke Komorizono, Head of Risk & Analytics, Japan
• Noriaki Kirihara, Risk & Analytics, ERM Consultant, Japan
• Tsuyoshi Takasugi, Risk & Analytics, Modelling Specialist, Japan
• Hisanori Nishizaki, Head of Facultative, Japan
• Takashi Kato, Head of Marine, Japan
• Seji Fujita, Director, Business Development
• Seishiro Yamamoto, Director, Business Development
• Toshihiko Ikeda, Associate Director of Large Account and Kansai Branch Manager
• Eiichi Fujimoto, Associate Director, Large Account and P&C
• Shinya Oda, Senior Associate, Large Account and P&C
• Ryohei Kono, Senior Associate, Large Account and P&C
• Yasumasa Kanie, Head of Claims, Japan

“The hiring of new talent and strengthening of our capabilities in specialty lines and Large Account reflect Willis’ global commitment to supporting clients in Japan with large and complex risks. We are pleased to bring on board a team of first-class professionals from the Japanese market, including from companies such as Marsh, Aon, Tokio Marine, Mitsui Sumitomo, Marubeni and Moody’s RMS. In today’s increasingly uncertain environment, our expanded expertise enables us to deliver the best-in-class insurance broking and risk management advice. Leveraging Willis’ leading analytical and technology capabilities, we help clients better navigate challenges and seize new opportunities with greater resilience,” said Roy.

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

Media Contacts

Clara Goh        +65 6958 2542
Clara.goh@wtwco.com

FAQ

How many new professionals has Willis (WTW) hired in Japan during 2025?

Willis has hired 22 new professionals across its business in Japan during the first nine months of 2025, expanding its client-facing teams and specialty lines.

What is the projected growth for Japan's general insurance market by 2028?

Japan's general insurance market is projected to grow from JPY11.7 trillion in 2024 to JPY12.7 trillion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%.

What is Japan's share in the global marine vessel fleet?

Japan accounts for 11% of the world's fleet of vessels, maintaining its position as one of the world's top maritime nations.

Which key areas has Willis expanded in Japan?

Willis has expanded across Risk & Analytics, Facultative Reinsurance, Marine specialty line, Business Development, Large Account, and Claims, including appointments in Natural Resources and Construction specialty lines.

From which companies has Willis recruited its new talent in Japan?

Willis has recruited professionals from major companies including Marsh, Aon, Tokio Marine, Mitsui Sumitomo, Marubeni and Moody's RMS.