Willis appoints Sara Benolken as global leader of telecomms

Willis has appointed Sara Benolken as its global leader for the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) industry.

Benolken has specialised in advising the broker’s TMT clients since joining the firm in 2007. She will be responsible for helping clients to gain access to a range of insurance products and risk management services.

Deputy chief executive of Willis Group Steve Hearn said: “Technology, media and telecommunications represents one of the fastest growing and rapidly converging industries worldwide, with a complex set of traditional and emerging risks accompanying its growth.”

Before joining Willis in 2007, Benolken served as managing director of the strategic solutions division at Arthur J Gallagher & Co and, prior to that, was global industry leader and managing director of Marsh’s technology and telecommunications practice.

Hearn added: “Sara Benolken has proven herself, during a career spanning more than 20 years, to be one step ahead of change in this sector, providing clients with the insights, service, creativity and trust that our clients demand in a risk adviser.”

Willis’s TMT industry group, along with the four other industry groups announced late last year – construction, financial services, natural resources and transportation – report to Hearn. Additional specialised industry groups will be announced later.