Insurance broker Willis said it opened its new 28-story headquarters building in the London financial district today at a ceremony attended by Prince Andrew and other dignitaries.
The firm said a crowd of more than 1,500 were on hand for the ceremony, filling Lime Street between Lloyd's and the entrance to The Willis Building.
Opening hoopla included music by the Band of the Welsh Guards and the Willis Choir, a group of Willis Associates, as well as remarks by Lloyd's Chairman Lord Peter Levene, acting in his capacity as Lord Mayor Locum Tenens for the City of London; Joe Plumeri, Willis chairman and chief executive officer; and Willis President Grahame Millwater.
Mr. Plumeri said, “Moving into 51 Lime Street is about propelling our business into the future.”
Lord Levene, according to Willis, said in part that “insurance brokers have huge potential to influence and to drive the change we need. As one of London's–and the world's–largest and most forward-looking intermediaries, the leadership of Willis will continue to be critical to this process.”
Following a blessing by local vicars, the Reverend Oliver Ross and Reverend Mark O'Donoghue, the prince unveiled a monument dedicated to Willis Associates who contributed through the years to the brokerage's success.
The new building, designed by Foster + Partners, won the 2007 New City Architecture Award for unique architectural form and contribution to the London skyline and streetscape.
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