Willis appoints Robert Staeheli as Head of Defense and Security, North America
Willis, a WTW (WTW) business, appointed Robert Staeheli as Head of Defense and Security for North America.
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Willis, a WTW (WTW) business, appointed Robert Staeheli as Head of Defense and Security for North America. Based in Washington, D.C., he will lead strategy and growth for defense and security clients across the U.S. and Canada while retaining his role as Metro D.C. Market Leader.
The appointment follows the October 22 launch of Willis’ global Defense and Security initiative, led by Jennifer Caldarella. Staeheli will bring together specialty, placement and client service teams to provide risk advisory and insurance broking services across North America.
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NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), today announced the appointment of Robert Staeheli as Head of Defense and Security, North America. Based in Washington, D.C., Staeheli will lead the company’s strategy and growth for defense and security clients across the U.S. and Canada, while continuing to serve as Metro D.C. Market Leader.
The appointment follows the launch of Willis’ global Defense and Security initiative on October 22, led by Jennifer Caldarella, Global Defense Lead at Willis, and reflects the scale of the opportunity in North America. With annual U.S. defense spending now exceeding
The initiative spans the defense and security landscape, including defense primes and strategic suppliers; manufacturing contractors; aerospace, aviation, cyber and space businesses; security, intelligence and dual-use technology providers; government services and critical infrastructure organizations; and private equity-backed defense technology platforms.
In this role, Staeheli will bring together Willis’ specialty, placement and client service teams across North America to deliver tailored risk advisory and broking solutions for defense and security clients, from large strategic primes to mid-market specialists and defense technology startups, helping them manage and reduce their total cost of risk as they grow, acquire and adapt to a shifting procurement and compliance environment.
“Robert has more than 25 years of experience and is responsible for some of WTW’s largest and most complex client relationships, including extensive work with clients in aerospace, defense and government contracting,” said Jennifer Caldarella, Global Defense Lead. “As these clients face increasingly interconnected risks, his leadership will help them build greater resilience by bringing the full strength of Willis to the sector.”
“Serving defense and security clients has long been a focus for us and for Robert’s team in the D.C. market,” said Mike Giacobbe, Chief Commercial Officer for Willis North America. “We are excited for Robert to bring together our full range of capabilities across North America and globally to deliver greater impact and value for clients in this sector.”
Staeheli has held various roles in defense and security since 1999, including as a management consultant advising U.S. national security and defense intelligence organizations. He joined WTW in 2014 and has led the firm’s Metro D.C. market since 2022, with responsibility for operations across Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, including the Arlington, Baltimore, Potomac and Richmond offices.
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.
Media contact
Lauren Ryan
External Communication – Risk and Broking, North America
lauren.ryan@wtwco.com
(845) 598-4895
FAQ
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Who is Willis’ new Head of Defense and Security for North America?
Robert Staeheli has been appointed Head of Defense and Security for North America. He will lead strategy and growth for clients across the U.S. and Canada while continuing as Metro D.C. Market Leader.