Willis Towers Watson appoints veteran Fred Abbott as Northern California Market Lead
Willis Towers Watson has promoted 34-year veteran Fred Abbott, as its market leader for Northern California. The role will have him oversee the consulting firm’s business operations, client relationships, and growth opportunities in the region.
Fred Abbott has worked with legal predecessors of the now merged Willis Towers Watson since 1984. He started out at Towers Perrin as a consultant in Vancouver north of the border, before rising to the rank of Principal over a successful 12-year spell. In 2000 he moved to the US, taking on the role of Market Leader at the Charlotte, NC area. Six years later he took on the same role at the larger San Francisco office.
Following the 2010 merger of Towers Perrin with Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Abbott took on the role of Account Director – for a period of almost three years in the Bay Area. He was promoted to Health & Group Benefits Practice Leader, Northern California, in 2012.
In 2016 he became a Client Relationship Director in the newly formed Willis Towers Watson, a year later, becoming the firm’s Director of Client Management, Northern California. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Science from the University of Manitoba.
Abbott now takes on the role of Market Leader for Northern California, a substantial expansion of his previous remit as San Francisco lead. He will take on responsibility for delivering the firm’s business operations, client relationships, and growth opportunities in the region, leveraging his more than 30 years of in-house experience.
Maureen Tarantello, region leader, U.S. West, Willis Towers Watson, said, “We’re delighted that Fred has been named Willis Towers Watson’s market leader for Northern California. Fred is a great choice for this role given his market knowledge, client relationships, leadership skills, and collection of experience across a variety of industries.”
Commenting on his appointment Abbott said: “I‘m delighted to collaborate with my talented Northern California colleagues to support our clients, many of whom are global innovators and leaders.”
