TECHNOLOGY PURCHASING POWER MARKET LEADING FIRMS KNOWLEDGE ACCOUNTABILITY COLLABORATION EXPERIENCE INDEPENDENCE
ANNUAL REVIEW WORLDWIDE BROKER NETWORK 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
EUROPE To WBN Members, Associate Members, Clients, Insurer Partners, and Friends: MESSAGE FROM Albania | Balkan JSC · Austria | Koban Südvers · Azerbaijan | CINCo Group · Belgium | ADD NV · Bulgaria | Balkan JSC In April I had the double honor of representing Member Host EPIC at WBN’s 58th Global THE CHAIRMAN Croatia | KSG Broker · Cyprus | Comergon SA · Czech Republic | Renomia · Denmark | Ensure Conference in San Antonio, Texas, and of taking office as chairman of the board of WBN. Denmark | Contea Assurance Forsikringsmæglerselskab P/S · Estonia | IIZI Kindlustusmaakler · Finland | Firstbrokers Our Global Conference in San Antonio broke attendance records, and it was gratifying France | Verlingue Insurance · Germany | Lurse · Germany | Profion · Germany | Südvers Gruppe · Greece | Comergon SA to be part of an event where not merely the numbers, but especially the energy and Hungary | Potter Broker Limited · Ireland | Frank Glennon · Italy | Andrea Scagliarini · Italy | De Besi Di Giacomo commitment of our Members was in tremendous evidence. Kazakhstan | CINCo Group · Latvia | IIZI SIA · Lithuania | Fillix Insurance Brokers · Luxembourg | ADD NV · Macedonia | Balkan JSC Netherlands | Meijers Assurantien B.V. · Norway | Arctic Insurance Broker AS · Poland | Mentor SA · Portugal | Median Corretores Stepping into the chairman’s role was an opportunity I eagerly embraced. Having Romania | Balkan JSC · Romania | London Brokers · Romania | Renomia · Russia | CINCo Group · Russia | Malakut Insurance Brokers served from 2016–2018 as treasurer of WBN and working closely with my predecessor, Serbia | AGD d.o.o. · Slovakia | Renomia · Slovenia | AGD d.o.o. · Spain | Cogesa · Spain | Concentra Group Daniel de Swaan, our mission remained clear to continue strengthen and grow WBN as Sweden | Factor Insurance Brokers · Sweden | Söderberg & Partners · Switzerland | S&P Insurance Group we operate in an increasingly complex and fast-paced business climate. Jim Watt Switzerland | VZ Insurance Services · Turkey | Integra Insurance Broker · Ukraine | CINCo Group · U.K. | AFL Insurance Brokers The WBN Board plays a key role in determining not only the governance, but most Chairman of the Board U.K. | Finch Insurance Brokers · U.K. | Price Forbes · U.K. | Towergate Insurance Brokers · U.K. | Mattioli Woods plc importantly, the strategy and direction of the network. WBN governance has been a top priority. During 2018 we have optimized the size of our board and established its NORTH AMERICA Executive Committee to make the board more efficient, thus enabling a sharper focus Bermuda | Price Forbes · Canada | Hub International · Mexico | Fidex · Mexico | Protección Dinámica on network growth. USA | ABD Insurance · USA | AHT Insurance · USA | Associated Benefits & Risk Consulting The ongoing merger and acquisition activity that’s taking place in the brokerage and risk- USA | Beecher Carlson (Brown and Brown, Inc.) · USA | BXS Insurance · USA | Dealey, Renton & Associates · USA | EBCG management industry remains a challenge, and one that we step up to boldly by working with USA | EPIC Brokers · USA | GBS Benefits, Inc. · USA | The Hauser Group · USA | Hays Companies (Brown and Brown, Inc.) USA | HM Risk · USA | Holmes Murphy · USA | Hub International · USA | Hylant Group · USA | Insurance Management Company the best independent brokers globally. Indeed, we embrace M&A within our own members USA | IMA, Inc. · USA | EPIC Brokers / Integro · USA | Ironwood Insurance Services LLC · USA | J. Smith Lanier and see how it creates added value. To grow our network, data analytics became increasingly USA | KMRD Partners, Inc. · USA | The Addis Group (McGriff Insurance Services) · USA | Rutherfoord important in 2018 as we focused on thoughtful membership expansion. USA | Servco Insurance Services (Brown and Brown, Inc.) · USA | Simkiss & Block · USA | Sterling Insurance Group USA | USI Insurance Services As we look into 2019 1. Continued thoughtful expansion of our network to MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA and beyond, we will enable an enhanced multi-national client experience; Africa | Ascoma · Angola | Allied Insurance Brokers · Bahrain | Insure Direct · Egypt | Associated Insurance Brokers 2. Growth in revenues through the development of Israel | B. Litay Risk Management 2011 Ltd · Israel | Madanes Insurance Agency Ltd · Lebanon | Holland Insurance Group s.a.l. focus on three strategic Morocco | EPEGA SA · Nigeria | Ark Insurance Brokers Limited · Oman | Risk Management Services · Pakistan | Risk Management Services imperatives for our additional sponsorship opportunities, and; Qatar | Insure Direct · Saudi Arabia | Daman Insurance Brokers · South Africa | GIB Holdings network, including: 3. Continued pursuit of the best available tools and South Africa | Price Forbes (Pty) Ltd South Africa · U.A.E. | Associated Insurance Consultants · U.A.E. | Insure Direct resources to support our members’ success. U.A.E. | Millennium Insurance Broker Co LLC
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Argentina | Makler SA · Bolivia | Kieffer & Asociados S.A. · Brazil | Harmonia Corretora de Seguros · Brazil | Sciath In 2018 Stephan Thurnherr of VZ Insurance Services of Zurich, Switzerland, Chile | Lilienfeld · Colombia | Correcol · Dominican Republic | Franco Fernandez · Ecuador | Ecuaprimas · Panama | Corporación Continental concluded his term as a WBN board member, and received the much- Peru | Gabel Corredores · Puerto Rico | Aegis International Ins · Uruguay | Makler SA · Venezuela | Makler, SA deserved thanks of the entire organization at our Global Conference in Cartagena, Colombia. And I would like to express my appreciation for the ASIA PACIFIC valuable service of Joe Watts, formerly of Holmes Murphy, who departed Australia | Honan Insurance Brokers · China | Chang Cheng Ins. Brokers · China | Sino Insurance Brokers the board in November when he began a new risk-management role outside Hong Kong | Pacific Prime Insurance Brokers · Hong Kong | Worldwide Insurance Services Enterprise · India | Prudent Insurance Brokers the brokerage industry. Indonesia | KBRU PT Kali. Raya · Japan | Marnix · Japan | Mojumdar & Company · Korea | Ace Risk Management Continuing my thanks for the tremendous support during my first year as Korea | HIS Insurance Services · Malaysia | Anika Insurance · Malaysia | Honan Insurance Brokers · New Zealand | Honan Insurance Brokers chairman, I would like to recognize my fellow board members, the WBN staff, Philippines | Lacson & Lacson · Singapore | Honan Insurance Brokers · Sri Lanka | Senaratne Assoc. our insurer sponsors, associate members, and above all, the leadership and Taiwan | Worldwide Insurance Services Enterprise · Thailand | Chaz Ltd. · Vietnam | Malakut Insurance Brokers staff of WBN’s member firms. We continue to deliver results for one another with unrivaled quality and cooperation, which sets us apart from any other ASSOCIATE MEMBERS network. Australia | MSM Loss Management · Guernsey | Alternative Risk Management · U.K. | Axco Insurance Information Services As this 2018 Annual Review goes to press, WBN is well underway with the USA | BELFOR Property Restoration · USA | Globiana · USA | Hanover Stone Partners · USA | Marsh Berry · USA | Milliman, Inc. celebration of its 30th anniversary, and I feel privileged and excited to be USA | Starboard International Consulting, Inc. serving WBN as chairman as we look to past, present, and future during this important year.
PARTNERS BY REGION APRIL 2019 – 1 – WORLDWIDE BROKER NETWORK 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
MESSAGE FROM To WBN Members, Associate Members, Clients and Sponsoring Carriers: of streamlined underwriting, claims management, and predictive analysis. Listening to the THE CHIEF Thank you for your many contributions in 2018. The WBN network has continued to voice of the client is a strong goal of WBN and we strive to create meaningful opportunities exceed its year-over-year global revenue results for the sixth year in a row to remain for multinational clients to meet with our producing and servicing members. It’s a unique EXECUTIVE OFFICER the largest global network of independent insurance brokers and employee benefits aspect of the conferences and the WBN value proposition. consultants. WBN’s 30th anniversary in 2019 has already gotten off to a great start as I write this, as we WBN is committed to the highest level of financial integrity and is proud to have closed pursue thoughtful growth strategies and deliver additional value-added services to help our 2018 with a very strong balance sheet to reflect that commitment. We are pleased to members to increase their cross-border business opportunities, mindful of the traditions and report that for the eighth consecutive year we received an unqualified financial audit long held values that have brought us to this milestone in our history. conducted by Hinckley & Cook. I want to personally thank the entire WBN board for their tireless efforts this year particularly We are a service-focused network. The strong and deep working relationships among Jim Watt, chairman of the board of directors; Alex Gilmore, treasurer; and Alec Finch, Francie Starnes our members is visible to our clients ...as is the commitment to deliver the best corporate secretary. Chief Executive Officer insurance solutions for their clients...and deliver service that creates a seamless Ours is an exceptional company with extraordinary members and a promising future and it cross-border experience for each. continues to be my honor to work for the WBN. WBN remains committed to providing a comprehensive set of tools and resources for business development. From branding to benchmarking, WBN seeks to deliver information that will serve our members as they work with prospects and clients—complemented by specialized services offered by our Associate Members in critical resource areas such as prospecting, cultural awareness, and benchmarking. Technology advancement was a top priority in 2018. Our partnership with Origami Risk continues to thrive and build momentum with usage of the WBNet in over 92 countries, 1,500 EBCG is a leading Employee Benefits GBS Benefits, Inc.,based in Salt Lake users, and 700+ clients. Our commitment is to offer better and more comprehensive tools firm based in Bannockburn, Illinois City, Utah, with seven other offices in that create unique global client relationships. with four field offices in Ann Arbor, Vernal, Utah; Logan, Utah; St. George, Michigan, Phoenix, Arizona, Dallas, Utah; Longmont, Colorado; Phoenix, This past year we institutionalized business development representatives at the global Texas and Ridgefield, Connecticut. Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Boise, steering committee level, and board ambassadors attached to key carrier sponsorships, Drawing on experience from across the Idaho, is a full-service insurance and to drive strategic engagement, which in turn drives stronger outcomes and increased MEMBERS benefits landscape, EBCG is known to employee benefits firm that has been business activity. deliver comprehensive solutions for building partnerships by providing The unabated pace of mergers and acquisitions has had a major impact in the JOINING WBN clients’ employee benefit needs. They reliable, quality service since 1989. insurance brokerage field. We have seen net growth through M&A activity among combine extensive benefit consulting The region’s largest benefits firm, and insurance carrier work experience GBS Benefits brings decades of our own global members in 2018, such as EPIC, Brown & Brown, Verlingue, AFL, IN 2018 with a commitment to transparent partnerships with about 1,000 local and and Honan. We welcome the growth and business opportunities these bring to the relationships centered on helping their national companies, school districts, network. And organic growth in the network remains strong. WBN continues to clients compete. associations, and government entities. seek member firms that can deliver on the WBN’s value proposition, deepen our geographic reach, and complement our existing strengths, while adhering to our rigorous entry requirements. We were delighted in 2018 to welcome four new members and one new associate member. Please read about these firms on the facing page. Sciath, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was Towergate Insurance Brokers is ASSOCIATE MEMBER JOINING Compliance in an increasingly strict regulatory environment is a challenge that established in 2005. Since that time, it headquartered in Maidstone, Kent, WBN IN 2018 WBN embraces to help its members keep ahead with the knowledge-tools they need has distinguished itself as a leader in United Kingdom. Towergate employs Globiana brings a unique value in to succeed. The European Union’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has the employee benefits space, offering over 4,000 specialists in offices helping multinational businesses train, brought requirements with an impact on all our members, and the quality of our in-person differentiated consulting services nationwide. It was established in 1997 guide and support their globally mobile and products for the well-being of and has grown through acquisition of and webinar training on this critical topic has been highly valued. WBN is well-positioned to employees and their families. With a companies and their employees. In more than 300 specialist insurance address the ramifications of BREXIT in 2019. global footprint in over 140 countries, addition to expert market analysis and brokerage firms, some with experience and offices in San Francisco, California Our Global and regional conferences continue to see record turnout, in terms of delegates, placement of insurance contracts for dating back more than 100 years. and Stuttgart, Germany, it is one of the carriers, and particularly steady increases in the numbers of clients. Business development health, life, and disability coverage, It offers a wide array services for largest mobile support platforms in panels were formalized to give greater focus to these conference sessions. We see more Sciath offers comprehensive and traditional retail lines of individual the industry. Globiana joined WBN as member-to-member prospect meetings, and member participation in panels ranging from highly cost-effective benefits and HR and corporate coverage and is highly an Associate Member, with experience business development to disrupters in the insurance sector. WBN kicked-off exploration of outsourcing services, with the goal regarded for its knowledgeable team of supporting and empowering companies creating efficiencies that promote a experts who advise on the placement of insurtech and the use of artificial intelligence at the Cartagena conference, and we’ll continue via key trainings and support benefits for better quality of life at the workplace. specialty risk products. to focus on innovation in 2019 to help educate our members on management and delivery global workforces.
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PROPERTY & Educating our members on international business protocols that drive business In 2018, Technology was a major focus for Employee Benefits: EMPLOYEE CASUALTY activity is a core priority of my consulting role. This is further enhanced by • The usage of WBNet for EB members grew through the development of EB BENEFITS tremendous opportunities to connect our members and sponsors—driving value dashboard reports and the tremendous support from WBNet “Super Users.” WBN through strategic engagement. Following are highlights from 2018. EB members have access to GLOWBN – EB, which is a test client populated with data STEERING COMMITTEES from various countries to be used in prospect and client demonstrations. We have advanced our business-driven agenda through our steering committees. • In response to strong desire for enhanced capabilities to benchmark employee These quickly have become a critical part of WBN, starting three years ago with the benefits programs globally, WBN collaborated with sponsor United Healthcare to European Steering Committee (ESC). Its success led to the establishment of the US/ offer members a greatly reduced fee for the Mercer Talent All Access Portal. This is Canada Steering committee one year ago. just one way that we have broadened our EB resources and tools. Antoinette “Toni” We have effectively utilized the ESC to work on carrier, compliance, and business • The dedicated EB section of the Members Forum of the WBN website has provided LeAnne Stefl Gambonini development relationships and opportunities. Members are assigned individual tasks to an active space for the ongoing exchange of news and ideas. Director of Employee WBN Limited - Global spearhead in these key areas. Benefits Property & Casualty The Employee Benefits Steering Committee plays a key role in advancing the long- For the US/Canada Steering Committee, the first projects focused on creating a Global Consultant term goals and objectives for the EB value proposition within the network. In 2018, Broker of Record Library, GDPR discussions, WBN Factsheet look and content, and we revamped the Steering Committee Guidelines to formalize the way the network discussing the potential of a Young Professionals exchange program. and growth of EB is supported at WBN. I want to thank the founding members of the committee who have served for over two years, and I look forward to welcoming a new CARRIER SPONSORSHIPS team to continue this important work in 2019. We continue to provide focus and opportunity points between our members and our sponsoring carriers—AIG, Zurich, CNA, Hartford, and Lloyd’s. These connections offer • At our Global Conferences, the collaboration among members has led to development invaluable education and assistance to build business. We look to discover new avenues by of best practices that have resulted in successful sales across the network. At the San which WBN’s premier carrier sponsors can deepen their connections and increase revenues Antonio conference EB members enjoyed the learning opportunity of a dedicated lunch at the local level with WBN member firms. session where we hosted Stacy Apter of Coca-Cola. Sharing individual-country issues in EB breakout sessions provided valuable information for EB brokers and consultants to advise TRAINING their clients and prospects making cross-border moves. In Cartagena “Regional Success Training has been a top priority for WBN, whether focused on members who are new to Stories” in Central/South America were shared in a session moderated by Priscila Conduta the network, our Young Professionals, or for experienced international executives pursuing Elias of Harmonia, with panelists Ana Carolina Conduta Losco of Harmonia, and Humberto growth opportunities. Robles Herrera of Fidex. In 2018 we provided international business development training to 44 WBN firms and over WBN’s EB sponsorship expanded with the addition of CIGNA as a Silver level 650 of their professionals globally. sponsor. In 2019 WBN EB Training to drive business development was delivered through UNIWORLD and Online WBN’s thought leadership and expertise of our members was profiled in the is well-positioned resource sessions. numerous interviews and articles published through Global Benefits Vision—the only to continue to publication dedicated to the international employee benefits executive. MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION TO MEET THE EMERGING NEEDS OF WBN’S CLIENTS compete with and In 2018 comprehensive due diligence work in multiple countries designated by the WBN • Interviews against the other Board of Directors enabled us to understand prospective new member opportunities. Jim Watt – WBN Chairman, EPIC Brokers – March 2018 large and middle GLOBAL INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION Enrique Acevedo, Correcol – September 2018 market brokers We have pursued valuable opportunities to advance the WBN brand at key industry events, Chris Burns, EBCG; Marc Reinhardt, Generali; Brian Quinn, Granite Management using our WBN Value which have included representation at WBN’s Global and Regional Conferences, and RIMS, Limited – “Employee Benefits Captive Integration” – October 2018 BISA, CIAB, and FERMA. Proposition. We • WBN Country Series plan to continue our LOOKING TOWARDS 2019 Susan Matthew Panicker – “Attracting Top Performers is Key to Employee use of technology, Educating our members in the protocols of conducting cross-border Benefits in the Middle East” - Associated Insurance Consultants – March 2018 business presents ongoing opportunities to stay ahead of changes build new successful in the regulatory landscape. At the same time, these challenges Saira Chambers – “Introduction to Employee Benefits in the UK” – Mattioli WIN case studies bring us together and allow us to build our connections Woods – April 2018 across the network, between members and with sponsors. Sharing our collective Priscila Conduta Elias & Ana Carolina Lima Conduta Izzo Losco – “Benefits in and showcase our experiences deepen the engagement that makes association Brazil” – Harmonia – June 2018 with WBN so unique and rewarding in today’s dynamic throught leadership Nico Lacson & Cesar Ruperto P. Ong – “The Data Privacy Act of the Philippines multinational insurance environment. through Global and GDPR” – Lacson & Lacson – September 2018 Benefits Vision.
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TECHNOLOGY Technology continues to remain a top priority at WBN. This is demonstrated by the In 2018 the YP group marked the fifth anniversary of its establishment as the “next YOUNG considerable investment of resources WBN and its membership spends in this area. generation” of international executives from WBN member firms.As a cohort of PROFESSIONALS Our vendor relationships focus on providing our members with a state-of-the-art rising leaders under the age of 35, the YPs seek to further connections within the technology tools, such as WBNet…powered by Origami Risk. In addition the WBN Worldwide Broker Network. YPs work to attract and retain talent, engage in educational GROUP website offers a comprehensive suite of services including WBN member forum, AXCO and thought-leadership activities, and contribute to WBN strategic initiatives. Insurance Information Services, and UNIWORLD. WBN brokers are well positioned The year started with a tremendous highlight in February. Lloyd’s hosted an intensive when they compete for and service multinational clients. training for the WBN YP’s. We heard from executives at Lloyd’s on the state of the The WBN Website is a valuable resource tool containing up-to-date information market, learned about innovative new market arrivals, and discussed the future of Robert Sterngold on WBN Members, Associate Members, Sponsors, member resources, news and insurance. We also were privileged to tour Lloyd’s and spend a day in the box and sit Director of Technology conferences. In addition, a members-only forum offers an interactive way for WBN with underwriters to see the inner workings on Lloyd’s. partners to communicate and notify the membership with a weekly digest. Members The San Antonio Global Conference in April attracted the largest attendance by YPs, Jamie Neumann are also provided compliance focused educational materials and recordings of webinars with 45 registered participants, where: Hays Companies on subjects including GDPR, FATCA and BREXIT. • Zurich conducted a Titan multinational training program—instrumental in (Brown & Brown, Inc.) WBNet…powered by Origami Risk allows our members and their clients to share teaching YP’s how to design and build international programs while imagining Chair, Young property & casualty and employee benefits policy information in a state-of-the-art themselves in the shoes of each party of the transaction. Professionals Group collaborative system. • CNA hosted an informative lunch where CNA’s expert Nickolas Graf spoke about In 2018 we continued to enhance the employee benefits dashboard with a series of benefits- cyber and ethical hacking focused reports and charts. WBN partners with brokers and Origami Risk on data integration • AXCO demonstrated the value of its compliance tools and reports projects ensuring our members can use WBNet to complement their existing management systems with data import/export capabilities. It enables them to make available to clients in • Stacy Apter of Coca-Cola spent quality time discussing her career and life progression, real time risk management, human resources, and claims information. along with an insightful Q&A session The number of WBN members choosing to use WBNet to service their multinational clients • The YPs looked back on the years since its creation, with reflections by Andrew Fluitsma, continues to grow year over year with over 750 now on the system and over 93 countries. advice from Brian Hetherington on how to make the most of a career in the insurance industry, and Steve Pappas holding a working session to discuss how to take the YP group In 2019 we are committed to responding to our members needs with relation to international to the next level of contributions within WBN property & casualty and employee benefits technology solutions. I look forward to working with our membership and technology steering committee to ensure WBN brokers maintain a At the Cartagena Global Conference in October, the YP-development focus remained sharp: competitive advantage. • CNA conducted a session on “Crisis Management,” with Kathleen Ellis of CNA, Mark Krumkick of CNA International Solutions; and Andrew Miller and Flayra Miliana of International SOS Assistance, Inc. • Zurich Commercial’s Valerie Butt spoke at a dedicated YP session • Generali’s Jonas Sandor presented “International Employee Benefits Solution: 1-Click Further” • Social Media, a topic considered to be very much “in the YP wheelhouse” was a roundtable led by Richard Duffy, WBN’s director of communications. The strong value of LinkedIn was unquestioned; consensus on Facebook was that it was not suitable for WBN given the business-to-business nature of content the organization seeks to deliver; and using Twitter drew the most debate, with some members reporting that it was a platform on which many receive both business and general news, while also was cited limited risk of it being a platform for negative comments • MarshBerry International provided a YP-focused update presented by John Wepler, Tommy McDonald, and Michel Schaft It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to chair the YP group the last few years and as part of the group’s rotational leadership plan, I am pleased that Warren Lai of AFL (UK) is stepping up to serve in 2019, with the ongoing support of Steve Pappas of Honan (Australia), and Liz Yovich of IMA (USA) becoming a vice chair. I want to thank the YP members whose enthusiasm and commitment have been an inspiration within the group and in the WBN network.
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San Antonio, Texas, USA April 2018
• GDPR: How to comply and prosper • Women in Insurance & Risk Management • Oil, gas & renewable energies panel • Re-thinking Financing & Managing Coca-Cola’s Hamburg, Insurance Program with Captives Germany • Benefits, Drawbacks & Opportunities of Private January Equity Acquisitions 2018
European Regional Meeting • Challenges for Global EB Brokers with Privacy Laws • WBN Governance: Adequate Compensation and Cartagena, Sales Initiative vs. Privacy Regulations Colombia • Roundtable on European Broker issues: Future October scope of “WBN Europe” and Sales Success Stories 2018
• Consequences of Misplaced Insurance • Broker Perpetuation Workshop Mid-Year Board Meeting • Lloyd’s City Risk Index and Brexit Update • Food & Beverage Industry Client Panel • Five-year strategic plan • Insurtech: What, Where and How? • Optimizing size of Board of Directors • Prudent budgeting to strengthen balance sheet • Thoughtful membership expansion
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MARKETING AND I joined WBN in June 2018 as director of communications, to re-launch the position and undertake a deep review to develop materials that are responsive to the fast-changing JOINING HANDS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS needs of WBN and its clients. Since its inception at the October 2014 WBN Global Conference in Santiago, Chile, WBN’s philanthropy program, “Joining Hands Worldwide,” has made nine gifts to worthy causes in the cities where we have hosted our gatherings. The charities It was clear from the outset that many of our members felt the need to be better able have ranged from healthcare, to hunger-prevention, to youth programming. to speak with one voice—complementing their individual firms’ brands with the WBN brand in ways that would be resonate with their clients and prospects. Moreover, merger and acquisition activity involving competitor networks presented opportunities for WBN to find new ways to convey its message of longevity in the marketplace and its extraordinary global capabilities.
Richard Duffy A significant part of the communication director’s responsibilities is to serve in a Director of Communications leadership team role developing WBN’s Global Conferences. The WBN Speaker Series, “Joining Hands Worldwide” philanthropy program, and all conference branding and materials are under my management, as well as a wide array of behind-the-scenes activities before, during, and after the conferences. Our Global Conference model is a San Antonio, Texas | April 2018 Cartagena, Colombia | October 2018 unique way to showcase WBN to members, clients and carriers. I quickly learned at San Antonio Food Bank FANA the Cartagena conference how critical these gatherings are to advance the meaningful person-to-person communication that is a key differentiator between WBN and Founded in 1980 as the first food bank established in Texas, Established in 1971, FANA translates in English to the competing networks. And when WBN gains a new member, the onboarding platform the San Antonio Food Bank served 58,000 individuals a week in Foundation for the Support of Abandoned Children. It is a of the Global Conference is indispensable for quickly making each an effective team one of the largest social service areas of Texas, comprising 16 comprehensive children’s social services organization, providing player in our network. counties. Its focus is for clients to have food for today, but to also shelter, nutrition, early-education, and adoption placements. Among my regular responsibilities, I host the relaunched Marketing Communications have the resources to be self-sufficient in the future, through a At the 59th Global Conference Gala Dinner at the Casa 1537, Steering Committee, onboard new WBN members on communication tools and variety of nutrition, farmer’s market, and social programs. At the WBN Chairman Jim Watt presents a check for $10,000 to Maria WBN 58th Global Conference Gala Diner held at the renowned Gabriela Cadena, Projects Coordinator of FANA, and to Annette topics, and handle an array of special projects to advance the WBN brand. Briscoe Western Art Museum, WBN Chairman of the Board Schwabe, a FANA volunteer for over 40 years and the mother of Some highlights of these first several months include: Jim Watt presents a check for $10,000 to a representative of the Member Host Correcol’s Enrique Acevedo Schwabe, at right. • Improving messaging around the WBN Global Conference website and food bank. booklet content • Leading the roundtable with WBN’s YPs at Cartagena in October to improve our organization’s social media strategy WBN SPEAKER SERIES • Launching communications on WBN’s employee-benefits tool Mercer Select WBN inaugurated its Speaker Series at the Global Conference held in Chicago in May 2012. It has evolved into a signature Intelligence and its re-branding as Mercer Talent All Access Plus (TAAP+) and event held on the eve of the start of the conference sessions, providing thought-leadership on issues affecting the world promoting the value of this special benchmarking offering to WBN members of insurance and global trade. Speakers have included renowned insurance leaders, academics, political analysts, and • Developing the WBN 30th Anniversary logo and planning for 30th-anniversary senior government officials. observances WBN was privileged to hear addresses from two distinguished presenters for the 2018 Speaker Series events. • Developing and producing WBN’s first client-facing capabilities brochure, for launch at the European Regional Conference in Prague in January 2019. It’s an engaging print piece Dino Robusto Juan Carlos Pinzón that delivers in a compact format all the essential information about WBN and what the April 11, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas October 10, 2018 | Cartagena, network represents Insurance industry leader Dino E. Robusto, Colombia • Working with LeAnne Stefl, employee benefits director, on WBN’s collaboration with Global CEO of CNA Financial, headlined WBN’s Former Colombian Minister of Defense and Benefits Vision 13th Speaker Series. He shared his former Ambassador to the United States on the many disruptors emerging in • Laying the groundwork for numerous initiatives in 2019, to include: Juan Carlos Pinzón headlined WBN’s the insurance marketplace, international collaboration and 14th Speaker Series. He discussed how the peace accord with – Developing a “brokers’ tool kit” as a “one-stop shop” on the “Resources” section of the importance of the next generation of leaders. Robusto the revolutionary FARC insurgency freed Colombia to focus on the WBN website highlighted the value proposition of WBN as an independent economic growth. Despite the infamy of drugs and violence of broker network bringing together the power of many individual • Strategically increasing advertising in trade publications media attention, Colombia has been an enduring democracy firms working together as one. with a stable business environment—never defaulting on an • Refreshing WBN’s advertising design and messaging, while retaining the ranking theme international debt obligation. Pinzón illustrated the aggressive I look forward to deepening my relationships with our members in 2019 to advance our development trajectory making Colombia a leader among collective objective to increase WBN brand awareness and make clear the value WBN brings emerging economies. to clients and prospects so that our members can write and keep more business.
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BRIAN HETHERINGTON ABD Insurance, San Mateo, California, U.S. 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF Brian is CEO and Co-Chairman of ABD, a specialty insurance and financial services firm serving global clients from their Northern California headquarters. Brian helped launch the ABD Team in 2012 to focus on providing the best advocacy while leveraging technology for the benefit of both clients and the firm. With JUAN CARLOS ARIAS Corporación Continental, Panama City, Panama 210 professionals located in 7 San Francisco Bay Area offices and Seattle, the ABD practice areas include Juan Carlos has been Managing Director of Corporación Continental, S.A. for 24 years. In 2013, he also Employee Benefits, Retirement Services, Property & Casualty, Executive Protection, Private Client Services, served as Vice President of the Board of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce of Latin HR services, and more. America in Washington, D.C.; President of The Board of the World Trade Center Panama; President of the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama; and President and Board Member of the DAMIEN HONAN Honan Insurance Group, Victoria, Australia American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AmCham). In 1995–96, he was an International Damien started at Honan Insurance Group in 1984, helping to place Heavy Motor Insurance policies in Executive with Sedgwick Group in London. Melbourne. With a vision to be a global insurance broker, in 1993, Damien purchased the business and continued to diversify Honan Insurance Group from life, general and heavy motor insurance broking to PRISCILA CONDUTA Harmonia, Sao Paolo, Brazil include corporate and business insurance broking. In 2001, Damien’s vision of becoming a global insurance Priscila Conduta Elias has served as the President and CEO of Harmonia Brazil since 2011. Elias has more broker became a reality when the company became a member of the Worldwide Broker Network, which than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry and participates on the main CEO and entrepreneurial enabled the business to place insurance for international companies expanding to Sydney and to the Gold leadership forums in Brazil. She is also responsible for the reinsurance operations in Brazil (leading Coast in 2007, Brisbane in 2008, New Zealand in 2009, Singapore, Asia’s financial and insurance hub, in 2010, PlurisRe) and Benefit (a company specialized on benefits administration). Before joining Harmonia, Elias and Malaysia in 2016. Today, the firm employs over 100 people in three countries. A former Chairman of spent more than six years with Accenture do Brasil where she worked on several International projects. WBN, Damien is now Director-Asia Pacific.
DANIEL DE SWAAN Meijers Assurantien B.V., Amstelveen, the Netherlands STEVE HYLANT Hylant Group, Toledo, Ohio, U.S. Daniel joined Meijers, an early member of WBN, as CFO in 2005 and is responsible for all staff activities Steve is EVP at Hylant. In 1987, he formed and directed the Michigan office of the firm which traces its in Finance, IT, HR, Facilities and Legal & Compliance. In addition, he also heads up the private clients origins to 1935 and today is among the largest privately held insurance brokerage firms in the United States, team, Meijers Assuradeuren, the in-house underwriting agent, and he serves as liaison between Meijers with 700 employees in 14 offices in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. and Meijers Credit, the trade credit subsidiary. His prior experience was with Uni-Invest, a large real estate investment company in Amsterdam, and in London with J.P. Morgan Investment Bank’s Merger & Acquisitions team. FLORIAN KARLE Südvers Gruppe, Au bei Freiburg, Germany PAVANJIT SINGH DHINGRA Prudent Insurance Brokers, Mumbai, India Florian has been CEO and Managing Director of the Südvers Gruppe, one of the leading privately owned Pavan is the CEO of Prudent Insurance Brokers, the largest independent Indian broking company focusing on insurance brokers and sixth-ranked overall in Germany, since 2000. The Group generates about 300 million commercial insurance. He has grown Prudent to a company with 7 offices and 410+ professionals and over euros in premium and employs about 380 insurance experts in 6 branch offices around the country and 6 2,000 clients. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Columbia University, New York. locations in Austria. Südvers was one of the founding members of WBN and Florian has served on the board since 2003 and was chairman in 2012–14.
EVA MADSEN Ensure International, Aarhus, Denmark ALEX GILMORE Price Forbes, London, UK Eva is CEO of Ensure, which traces its roots to 1999 when the company Dahlberg Aarhus started as a part of Alex joined Price Forbes, formerly known as Prentis Donegan, in 1999, following careers with Gerling- the Dahlberg Group. A student of business, commerce and insurance at the Danish Insurance Academy, she Konzern and Sedgwick Cologne, both in Germany, and Sedgwick Group in London. began her insurance career in 1996 as a broker with Aon in Denmark and joined Ensure’s predecessor firm He started up the International side of Price Forbes and continues to be a Director of the International in 2002. Today, in addition to serving on WBN’s board of directors, she is responsible for the Network’s Young business, with responsibilities for strategy, developing new business and maintaining a role overseeing his Professionals Group. long-term clients. During his time at Price Forbes Alex has seen the company grow from approximately 40 staff to around 400 today with business emanating from many countries around the world. LARRY MOJUMDAR Mojumdar, Tokyo, Japan Larry is CEO of Mojumdar & Company, which was established in 1955 in Tokyo. The company sells insurance He graduated in mathematics at Sheffield University and is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute. products to both commercial and personal clients and provides professional assistance for personal insurance needs such as automobile, homeowner’s, liability, life and annuity insurance. Mojumdar & ALEC FINCH Corporate Secretary AFL Insurance Brokers, London, UK Company Limited represents more than 20 different local and foreign insurers in Japan. A WBN founding member in 1989, Alec serves as the Board’s Corporate Secretary. He is Chairman of AFL Insurance Brokers Ltd and has worked in Lloyd’s and UK Regional markets for more than four decades. He also is a Freeman of The City of London, a member of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (which combines MARKHAM MCKNIGHT BancorpSouth, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. business and philanthropy), Deputy Chair of the Insurance Brokers’ Standards Council, and he has served on Markham was chairman of the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers in 2008. He has been a leading numerous industry boards and committees in the UK and U.S. Alec received the Lifetime Achievement Award commercial insurance executive for three decades, serving as executive vice president of Wright & Percy in the 2008 UK Broker Awards. Insurance, one of Louisiana’s oldest and largest insurance agencies, from 1982–1994, and president and CEO of Wright & Percy Insurance from 1994 to 2005. BancorpSouth Bank, a subsidiary of BancorpSouth, Inc., acquired Wright & Percy in 2003. He has served as President of BancorpSouth Insurance since 2005. He has an MBA from Louisiana State University, serves as treasurer of the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association (by appointment of the Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance), and is a member of the board of directors of the American Bankers Insurance Association.
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SUSAN MURPHY HUB International, Toronto, Ontario, Canada LEANNE STEFL Employee Benefits Director Susan is President of the Ontario region at HUB International, coming from the role of President and CEO LeAnne joined WBN in April 2016 as Director of Employee Benefits to focus on growing employee benefits of HUB’s Totten Insurance Group, where she was responsible for providing leadership and direction and revenue through increasing membership, expanding carrier relationships, training and development, and for managing the profitability of Totten as well as its partner insurance carriers. Susan started her career enhancing the employee benefits value proposition of our network. in the life insurance industry with Sun Life Assurance Company before moving to property and casualty sector, holding executive leadership positions with CNA Canada, GCAN Insurance (an OTPP company) and With more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, LeAnne brings a broad depth of knowledge RSA Canada. Areas of specialty include product and program development, distribution management and covering both U.S. and Global Employee Benefits. She has held executive and leadership positions with market relationships. In 2012, Susan moved to the broker side of the business. Susan is a graduate of Mercer, Willis and HUB International. LeAnne is a recognized leader in the industry and has served as Harvard Business School. She has written and contributed to many industry articles in national insurance a faculty member, guest speaker, and published author, lending her extensive industry knowledge and publications. expertise.
WALID NEHME Associated Insurance Consultants, Dubai/Abu Dhabi, UAE & Cairo, Egypt; Daman ROBERT STERNGOLD Director of Technology Insurance Services, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Robert has been WBN’s Technology Director since 2013, developing WBN’s new website and WBNet CEO of AIC, which also operates as Daman Insurance Services, Walid has held positions with both insurance 3.0…powered by Origami Risk, our online insurance collaboration software, for which he also provides companies and insurance brokerage firms, as well as memberships in the Risk & Insurance Management demonstrations at the request of WBN members. Additionally, he developed and maintains WBN’s 360° Peer Society (RIMS) – USA; the International Employee Benefits Association – Belgium; and Association Review Surveys, WBN Conference Satisfaction Surveys, and sets up and manages the software application Internationale du Droit des Assurances (AIDA). In 1995, he was appointed by the Lebanese Ministry of Justice that is used at the semi-annual WBN member Conferences, as well as providing IT support for the WBN to a committee charged with updating the country’s Insurance Law. Fluent in French, English and Arabic, he main office administration. received a diploma in Insurance from Beirut’s St-Joseph University in 1991, followed by a degree in Advanced Mathematics from Lebanese University. FRANCIE STARNES Chief Executive Officer Francie joined WBN in July 2015 as President and Chief Operating Officer following a 23-year career at AIG, MATTEO SCAGLIARINI Andrea Scagliarini SpA, Bologna, Italy first as a Senior Multinational Account Executive, followed by 7 years as Vice President of Global Commercial Matteo is CEO of Andrea Scagliarini SpA, the brokerage founded by his uncle, Andrea. Matteo joined the Distribution, where she managed AIG’s Independent Broker Network relationships. She also previously served firm as a director in 1999, after working as a reinsurance broker in Paris. The fourth generation of his family as Director of Cross Selling at ALICO, working closely with AIG’s Property Casualty and Benefits Division. to pursue a career in insurance brokerage, he has been in the CEO role since 2004 and has led the firm to Appointed CEO in mid-2016, she is responsible for representing WBN in industry relations, promoting and become a prominent broker for multinational clients in the Italian marketplace. A graduate of the University expanding WBN membership, carrier relationships, governance, conference development and member of Bologna, Matteo has been chairman of the WBN European Steering Committee and board member of the activities. Italian Brokers Association. ANTOINETTE (TONI) GAMBONINI Consultant, European Office STEFAN THURNHERR VZ Insurance Services, Zurich, Switzerland In March 2016, Toni joined WBN as European Office Consultant, based in London, where she works with Stefan is a member of the Executive Board and Managing Director of VZ Insurance Services at VZ Holding AG. WBN’s European members and the European Steering Committee on cross-border training, new business He has been a member of the Executive Board of the Company since 1998. He joined VZ Holding AG in 1994 and opportunities and strategic engagement with WBN’s premier sponsors. Toni previously spent 4 years with was, inter alia, Head of Insurance Advisory Services. He also serves as Chairman of the Foundation Boards of Assurex Global as Director of its Europe, Middle East and Africa Region. Before that, she was Director of VZ Freizuegigkeitsstiftung, VZ Ammelstiftung, VZ Anlagestiftung and VZ Vorsorgestiftung 3a (VZ Vested Benefits Operations, Commercial & International for Barney & Barney in San Diego from 1985 to 2008 and built their Foundation, VZ Joint Foundation, VZ Investment Foundation and VZ Pension Foundation 3a). Stefan retired from International desk. Toni has also written a book on International Business Development and provides one- the WBN board in October 2018 after two distinguished terms of service. day courses for insurance brokers and agents.
JAMES WATT | WBN BOARD CHAIRMAN EPIC Insurance Brokers, Houston, Texas, U.S. RICHARD DUFFY Director of Communications Jim Watt is Regional President - Southwest of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. He was the founder Richard joined WBN in June 2018, after 35 years of executive experience in employee benefits, general of Ascende and its CEO until its acquisition by EPIC in 2016. He provides his team the insight and guidance lines, and special-product insurance at leading U.S. multinational organizations. He expands WBN’s to develop creative solutions that anticipate emerging needs, and oversees client engagement. He has over visibility through branding initiatives, among a wide variety of other opportunities to communicate the 25 years of experience in the design, communication, administration and funding of employee benefits plans WBN value proposition. He works with key sponsors to promote their strategic engagement with WBN and for startups to Fortune 1000s. Jim previously was a sales and marketing senior account executive at CIGNA provides communication tools for the WBN conferences. Richard teams with WBN members in leading the HealthCare in Los Angeles. In October 1993, he was instrumental in engineering the development of the first Communication Advisory Committee, onboarding new members, and developing client testimonials that market-based Health Insurance Purchasing Cooperative (HIPC). speak to the value of WBN in their cross-border business.
JOE WATTS Holmes Murphy, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. SCHYLER TOLLMANN Administration/Office Management Joe was a Vice President and Leader of Holmes Murphy’s International Practice Group (HMA Worldwide) Schyler joined WBN In 2012. In addition to managing the Central Office and providing administrative support as well as a leader in the Architects and Engineers Design Professional Insurance Practice. His 25-year to the Management Staff, she coordinates the extensive activities involved with WBN’s primary meetings, career has been spent developing solutions and placing coverage worldwide from Latin America to Asia, including the semiannual Global Conferences and the midyear Board Meeting, as well as most of the Africa, Europe and North America. His specialties include Architects and Engineers, International, Mining, communications with members, insurers and other stakeholders. Construction, Railroads - Contract Review, Risk Assessment, and Insurance Placement. In November 2018 Joe left the WBN board after accepting a risk management executive role in private industry.
– 14 – – 15 – Revenues bns Rank Company 1 .0 WORLDWIDE BROKER NETWORK 1 Marsh & McLennan 9.9 2 A ON, PLC Superior Service to Clients. WBN CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD U.S./CANADA STEERING COMMITTEE wers Watson PLC 8.12 1989–90 Olivier Favre (France) Toni Gambonini, WBN—Host Willis To nmatched Local E pertise. . 1990–91 Eric Kiefhaber (Austria) Susan Murphy, HUB International (Canada) Worldwide Broker Network Seamless Collaboration. 1991–93 Alec Finch (UK) —Board Liaison . 1993–94 Manfred Karle (Germany) Cheryl Cohen, ABD (U.S.) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 1994–96 Douglas Smith (Scotland) Olga Collins, Beecher Carlson (U.S.) 1.92 That s the World s Largest BB&T Insurance Holdings 1996–98 Wolfgang Koppitz (Germany) Sean Jackson, IMA (U.S.) 1.8 Independent Broker Network. 1998–02 Jaap Meijers (the Netherlands) Scott McKnight, BXS Insurance (U.S.) Hub International, Ltd. 2002–05 Jacques Verlingue (France) Jamie Neumann, Hays Companies (U.S.) 1.8 dine Lloyd Thompson 2005–07 Alec Finch (UK) Kevin O’Donnell, Hylant (U.S.) 8 Jar That s WBN. 1.8 2007–09 Gary Griffiths (U.S.) Henry Shurling, EPIC (U.S.) 9 B rown & Brown, Inc. 2009–10 Damien Honan (Australia) Laura Tesoriero, Integro (U.S.) e Services, LLC 1. 2010–12 Neil Morrison (Canada) 10 USI Insuranc employee benefits fees. revenues for insurance premiums and 2012–14 Florian Karle (Germany) IT STEERING COMMITTEE Based on most recently reported 2014–16 Markham McKnight (U.S.) Robert Sterngold, WBN—Host 2016–18 Daniel de Swaan (the Netherlands) Breia Foston, EPIC (US) The Worldwide Broker Network of 100 member firms provides: 2018–20 James Watt (U.S.) Lauren Golden, EPIS (US) Aurore Livet, Verlingue (France) · Local knowledge and experience in 500 offices in · Extensive cross-border collaboration EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STEERING Alan Taylor, Honan Insurance Group (Australia) 100+ countries on 6 continents · State-of-the-art information COMMITTEE Bart Vanoorbeek, ADD nv (Belgium) · Firm quality, size and independence management technology LeAnne Stefl, WBN—Host Vincent Verhagen, Meijers (the Netherlands) · Rigorous entry requirements and ongoing accountability · Combined purchasing power Walid Nehme, Associated Insurance Consultants Dirk Wenning, Südvers Gruppe (Germany) (Middle East)—Board Liaison Michael Atta, Honan (Australia) MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Ed Cha, ABD (U.S.) STEERING COMMITTEE Saira Chambers, Mattioli Woods (U.K.) Richard Duffy, WBN—Host Priscila Lima Conduta, Harmonia (Brazil) Priscilla Conduta, Harmonia (Brazil) WBN 2018 SPONSORS Nico Lacson, Lacson & Lacson (Philippines) Bob Finch, AFL (U.K.) Ana Carolina Conduta Losco, Harmonia (Brazil) Martin Flink, Söderberg (Sweden) Stefan Thurnherr, VZ Insurance Services, (Switzerland) Sabrina Hanitz Timmins, Honan (Australia) Joe Watts, Holmes Murphy (U.S.) Scott McKnight, BXS Insurance (U.S.) Peter Weber, Proteccion Dinamica (Mexico) Jamie Neumann, Hays Companies (U.S.) Tim Witchell, Hub International (Canada) Reinhard Riehl, Südvers (Germany) Javier Yturralde, EPIC (U.S.) Leslie de Swaan, Meijers (the Netherlands) Cristina de Uriarte, Concentra (Spain) EUROPEAN STEERING COMMITTEE Bart Vanoorbeek, ADD nv (Belgium) Toni Gambonini, WBN—Host Peter Weber, Proteccion Dinamica (Mexico) Matteo Scagliarini, Scagliarini (Italy) —Board Liaison YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Saira Chambers, Mattioli Woods (UK) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Alex Gilmore, Price Forbes (UK) Jamie Neumann, Hays Companies (U.S.)—Chair Eva Madsen, Ensure (Denmark) Eva Madsen, Ensure (Denmark)—Board Liaison Helene Paounov, Verlingue (France) Andrew Fluitsma, Honan Insurance Group (Australia) Reinhard Riehl, Südvers (Germany) Warren Lai, AFL, Vice Chair (U.K.) Dirk Van Liempt, ADD nv (Belgium) Steve Pappas, Honan, Vice Chair (Australia) Bart Vanoorbeek, ADD nv (Belgium) Guido Verheijden, Meijers (the Netherlands) George Zafiriou, Comergon (Greece)
– 16 – LOCAL KNOWLEDGE · WORLDWIDE NETWORK 315 Montgomery Street | Suite 900 | San Francisco, CA 94104 | U.S. +1-650-341-1600 | www.WBNGlobal.com