Towers Watson Taps Eric Speer to Lead Risk and Financial Services

Global professional services company Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW) announced that Eric Speer has been appointed to lead its Risk and Financial Services business segment, effective July 1, 2015. Speer, based in the company’s Stamford office, will also serve on the company’s management committee. He replaces Tricia Guinn, who will retire on June 30, 2015.

“Eric’s appointment to lead our Risk and Financial Services business is very well deserved,” said John Haley, Towers Watson’s chief executive officer. “His wealth of experience, strategic vision, keen understanding of the insurance industry and proven track record of driving profitable growth will be of great value to the executive leadership team and our clients.”

Speer began his 25-year tenure with Towers Watson as a strategy and organization consultant focused on insurance and financial services clients. He has held a number of senior management positions at the company, including his current role as global lead for the Risk Consulting and Software business. He also previously led the Risk Consulting and Software business in the Americas, and managed Towers Watson’s east division in the U.S. for eight years.

Michael Murphy has been appointed to succeed Speer as global leader of Risk Consulting and Software, also effective July 1. Over the last 10 years, he has held roles as chief actuary, finance director and managing director for life and non-life insurers at Irish and other European companies. Murphy rejoined Towers Watson almost four years ago and currently serves as the company’s Risk Consulting and Software leader for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Earlier in his career, he established and led Towers Watson’s Irish insurance consulting practice while also advising a range of international clients.

“Michael brings significant actuarial, financial, business management and insurance industry experience to his new global role, both as a consultant and an insurance company executive,” said Haley. “He will add a valuable perspective to our global Risk and Financial Services management team while continuing to support our insurance industry clients through the various market changes taking place.”

About Towers Watson

Towers Watson (NYSE, NASDAQ: TW) is a leading global professional services company that helps organizations improve performance through effective people, risk and financial management. With 15,000 associates around the world, the company offers consulting, technology and solutions in the areas of benefits, talent management, rewards, and risk and capital management. Learn more at towerswatson.com.