WTW Strengthens its Real Estate Team with Key Hires to Support Clients in Complex Market (2025)

LONDON, April 28, 2025 - Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ:WTW) is pleased to announce the expansion of its real estate team with a series of strategic new hires. Lauren McKay and Liam Hebron both join as Directors, based in London. Craig Johnson joins as Executive Director within the same team, based in Manchester and Shaun Grainger has been appointed as Development Director, within the newly formed Residential Real Estate Team, based in London

The new team members will focus on supporting a range of clients, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) firms, private investors, pension funds, and investment managers.

As the real estate market becomes increasingly complex, these new hires will bolster Willis’ ability to help clients effectively manage and mitigate risk across their portfolios, with a focus on delivering high-impact solutions to clients across the real estate spectrum.

Prior to joining Willis, McKay worked at CBRE for 5 years in a Client Solutions and Business Development role within in GWS Enterprise Accounts, Property & Asset Management and Advisory & Transaction Services. Her focus will be on real estate client solutions for Pan-European investors and landlords.

Hebron is an experienced insurance specialist with global expertise spanning the UK, EMEA, and North America. Having worked with Gallagher on Management Liability and Financial Institutions, and with Axco on insurance regulation, his focus will be on driving new business in the Real Estate sector, applying his knowledge of complex risk placement, programme structuring, and portfolio protection to deliver clear, effective solutions for clients.

Based in Manchester, Johnson joins Willis as an Executive Director in the Real Estate Practice, bringing extensive domestic and international experience across real estate and construction. At Lockton and Marsh, he advised major developers, contractors and property owners, leading teams that significantly grew regional books. Johnson will focus on placing insurance for developers, funds, investors and property owners, including OCIPs and specialist risk solutions for Northern England and Scotland.

Grainger brings 20 years of experience within the financial and insurance industry to drive growth and innovation in the residential real estate sector. With a strong background working with residential real estate investment clients including build-to-rent developers and operators, and clients with extensive residential real estate portfolios, he brings a unique blend of expertise and industry knowledge to the role.

"With the evolving challenges facing the real estate market, the addition of these highly skilled professionals enhances our ability to provide tailored, risk-focused solutions," said Paul Turnbull, Managing Director Real Estate at Willis.

"Real estate investors and landlords require specialized guidance to ensure their portfolios are resilient in a rapidly changing landscape. We are confident that this new energetic team will play a critical role in helping our clients achieve their investment objectives and minimize exposure to potential risks. With this strengthened team, Willis is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the real estate advisory and risk management sectors."

McKay, Hebron, Johnson and Grainger will report into Paul Turnbull, Managing Director Real Estate at Willis.

For more information about WTW’s real estate services, visit Real Estate

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