Willis Australasia will launch a series of technology and product initiatives over the coming year, according to incoming CEO Tony Barber.

As reported by insuranceNEWS.com.au in a Breaking News bulletin on Thursday, Mr Barber, who is currently Deputy CEO, will take over from Roger Wilkinson on January 1.

A year ago Willis announced a global efficiency program that will be rolled out over the next three years, and this has led to investment in technology to meet changing and differing client expectations, Mr Barber says.

“It is about changing the way we do business in certain areas, so we can take advantage of technology upgrades and give teams more time to spend with clients.”

Some clients want to use technology to reduce face-to-face involvement, while others still want broker contact but expect electronic access to updated information, he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Although Willis Australasia is best known for work in construction, financial institutions and natural resources, it has added real estate, food and beverage, education and local government business to its portfolio.

“We are changing our business to be more focused on certain key areas,” Mr Barber said.

Willis has 30 years’ experience in the education sector globally and can bring strengths and knowledge to this market.

Local government clients are also seeking “something different, an alternative” in the market.

Mr Barber says the efficiency program – known as Skyline – is about a better way of working and not redundancies, although Australia is an expensive place to do business and the industry is facing a margin squeeze from lower pricing and costs varying from rising to flat.

The war for talent is placing greater pressure on bottom lines.

“We are all in that; it is not one particular broker or insurer getting a total advantage.”

The coming year will also bring progress on Willis’ merger with Towers Watson, which will give the local business increased size.

Mr Barber says the two businesses are complementary and, when combined, will form a “formidable opponent”.