Willis Towers Watson recruits new CFO

Willis Towers Watson P.L.C. on Monday named former PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.C. executive Michael J. Burwell to succeed Roger Millay as chief financial officer when he retires on Oct. 2.

Mr. Burwell worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 31 years and most recently served as a partner. Previously, he had worked as head of global transformation, the firm’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer in the United States, the statement said.

He will split his time between London and Arlington, Virginia.

“Mike understands managing, leading and driving results in a complex, global company with a strong focus on clients,” John Haley, CEO of Willis Towers Watson said in the statement.  “His expertise in finance, transactions and transformation is well suited to guide our long-term growth and remaining integration efforts.”

Arlington, Virginia-based Mr. Millay, aged 60, was chief financial officer for Towers Watson & Co. prior to the consultant’s merger with Willis Group Holdings P.L.C. in 2016. Willis Towers Watson announced his proposed retirement in April.

Meanwhile, Willis Towers Watson also said in a statement Monday that former Marsh L.L.C. broker Ken Smith has been named corporate risk and broking market leader for the brokerage’s Metro D.C./ Chesapeake market.

Stuart Spector held the role on an interim basis for about a year, while maintaining his primary role as chief operating officer of the region, which he will resume full time.

Based in Washington, Mr. Smith will report to Doug Pera, head of corporate risk and broking, Atlantic south region. 

Mr. Smith joins Willis Towers Watson from Marsh USA, where he held a variety of leadership roles, including most recently leader of its Cincinnati, Columbus and Louisville operations.