WTW boost digital capabilities with Lloyd’s hire

Willis Towers Watson has appointed Lou Smith as head of its commercial lines data strategy, tasked with accelerating its digital trading capability. Smith joins the broker’s insurance consulting and technology business from Lloyd’s of London, where she was its chief digital officer.

At Lloyd’s, she was responsible for developing its data-enabled, digital insurance marketplace. Smith previously spearheaded the digitisation of Natwest’s personal and business banking.

“WTW has an established track record of leading the market through digital change in pricing and underwriting,” said Tasha Pettet, director for digital underwriting, insurance consulting and technology at WTW. “There has been a marked increase in the pace and appetite of digitalisation throughout the commercial lines insurance market during the pandemic, with digital trading becoming the top priority on our clients’ agenda. I am delighted that Lou has joined WTW at this exciting stage of our development.”

“It is an exciting time to join WTW and continue the shift to digital trading across the market,” said Smith. “Our investments in broking technology and risk and analytics will help the industry learn from experience and move digital adoption forward for the good of all stakeholders.”