Insurance broker Willis, a WTW business, has significantly expanded its Japanese Corporate Risk & Broking team, emphasising its commitment to the Japanese market.
For the first nine months of 2025, Willis has hired 22 new professionals across its business, including for its brokerage service entity that was launched in October last year.
The additions have significantly expanded its client-facing teams, alongside key appointments in its Natural Resources and Construction specialty lines and Large Account made in 2024, explained Willis.
The new hires this year are across Risk & Analytics, Facultative Reinsurance, Marine specialty line, Business Development, Large Account and Claims.
These new appointments include: Kosuke Komorizono as Head of Risk & Analytics, Noriaki Kirihara as Risk & Analytics, ERM Consultant, Tsuyoshi Takasugi as Risk & Analytics Modelling Specialist.
Meanwhile, Hisanori Nishizaki was named Head of Facultative, Takashi Kato is Head of Marine, and both Seji Fujita and Seishiro Yamamoto as Directors of Business Development.
Further, Toshihiko Ikeda is Associate Director of Large Account and Kansai Branch Manager, Eiichi Fujimoto is Associate Director of Large Account and P&C, Shinya Oda is Senior Associate, Large Account and P&C, and Ryohei Kono is Senior Associate, Large Account and P&C. Lastly, Yasumasa Kanie is the Head of Claims for Japan.
Willis sees opportunities in the Japanese general insurance market, which is projected to grow from JPY11.7 trillion (US$81.1 billion) in 2024 to JPY12.7 trillion (US$93.9 billion) by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%.
Ryohei (Roy) Nakazawa, Head of WTW, Japan, commented, “Japan is one of the world’s largest insurance markets, and we are proud to be scaling up to drive better client outcomes. By bringing the best talent and building up our specialty capabilities, we are positioning ourselves to be a trusted risk advisor, specialty broker and client partner to Japanese companies navigating today’s complex risk landscape locally and those with an international business footprint.”
He continued, “We see growth driven by commercial lines, digital transformation and risk advisory services amid global uncertainty. There is also rising risk awareness and demand for protection from businesses against climate change and natural catastrophes, cyber threats and supply chain disruptions.
“In addition, the marine insurance sector continues to gain momentum as Japan remains one of the world’s top maritime nations, accounting for 11% of the world’s fleet of vessels. Its strategic position in global trade and its advanced maritime industry is fueling demand for marine cargo insurance solutions. The hiring of new talent and strengthening of our capabilities in specialty lines and Large Account reflect Willis’ global commitment to supporting clients in Japan with large and complex risks.”
“We are pleased to bring on board a team of first-class professionals from the Japanese market, including from companies such as Marsh, Aon, Tokio Marine, Mitsui Sumitomo, Marubeni and Moody’s RMS. In today’s increasingly uncertain environment, our expanded expertise enables us to deliver the best-in-class insurance broking and risk management advice. Leveraging Willis’ leading analytical and technology capabilities, we help clients better navigate challenges and seize new opportunities with greater resilience,” concluded Roy.
AloJapan.com