Wendy Stachowiak, Vice President of Global Travel Partnerships at International SOS, in January 2018 was appointed Vice Chair of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Risk Committee. As organizations recognize the impact that travel risks can have on business continuity and sustainability, as well as the effect on an individual, GBTA President Christle Johnson, commented: “We are pleased that Wendy has accepted the role of Vice Chair of the

China’s insurance regulator, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), in February 2018 “temporarily” took over Anbang Insurance Group. Its chairman Wu Xiaohui in June 2017 was detained by authorities and is now facing prosecution on charges including fundraising fraud and embezzlement. Anbang’s growth was driven by high-yield, investment-type insurance products, many of which allowed redemption after as little as two years with little or no penalties. The growth helped fund

IBIS Academy organizer Gallagher in February 2018 announced two key sessions for the 48th edition, to be held in Berlin, Germany on May 7 – 11 , 2018. Global Family Leave Fred Thiele, general manager, global benefits and mobility for Microsoft, will discuss Microsoft’s “monumental effort to expand and enhance its global family leave benefits”. Fred will offer practical advice for organizations interested in leading the way in this

Arthur J. Gallagher in February 2018 acquired Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Williams Insurance Agency. Founded in 1967, Williams Insurance Agency offers property/casualty, life, health and voluntary benefits coverages to businesses and individuals primarily across South Dakota. Greg Heineman, Timothy Donohue, Dwight Vondra and their associates will continue to operate from their current location. They will report to Patrick M. Gallagher, head of Gallagher’s Midwest retail property/casualty brokerage operations, and