Sarah Turvill (Law, 1975)

Chairman, Willis International Ltd

ANG Role: International

Having decided that the Bar was not the career for me, I initially joined Willis in 1978 to establish and run a legal department. I spent the next 14 years dealing with general legal advice, managing the advice of external lawyers, acquisitions, start-ups/disposals and international operations. In 1991 when we needed to establish an international network by acquiring or setting up companies firstly in Europe, I took the lead in the legal aspects and negotiations. Having successfully achieved this I moved from the legal department to become involved in the operational side of the business.

I became CEO of Willis International in 2001, having served as Chief Executive of Willis Continental Europe since 1995. In 2006 I became Chairman, where I’m responsible for the Willis Group’s 44 subsidiary companies worldwide, its investments in associate companies operating in a further 35 countries and its correspondent partners in another 38 countries. I’m also a member of the Willis Group’s Executive Committee, the senior management team setting and executing Willis’ global strategy.

I joined the Alumni Network Group in 2011, initially with responsibility for international activity, drawing on my experience to offer advice to the University on how it can strengthen its ties with international alumni. I now provide the link between this group and the University’s Council.

I had a fantastic time at Exeter and gaining my Law degree was the foundation of my career. As a graduate from Exeter, it has given me great pride to see its rise into the top 10 universities in the UK and I am looking forward to helping it go on to even greater things in the future as Chair of Council.