Willis Group Holdings announced today that one of its executives, Martha Vinas, Senior Vice President and Director of Client Advocacy for the company’s Employee Benefits practice in Florida, has been named a 2009 “Woman to Watch” by Business Insurance magazine.
On this, the fourth year that Business Insurance has published its “Women to Watch” list, Vinas is among a group of 25 high-profile women executives who are leading the way in insurance, reinsurance, risk management, employee benefits and related fields, such as law and consulting. The “Women to Watch” list is compiled from hundreds of reader nominations as well as information supplied by the publication’s senior staff.
Based in Tampa, Florida, Vinas is a recognized authority in the area of Employee Benefits. She currently leads Client Advocacy for Willis’ Florida Employee Benefits Practice, which has a team of 61 professionals working in eight offices across the state. Vinas is responsible for the development of professional talent and capabilities as well as strategic planning, staffing, operations, client management and partner development.
Vinas has had a varied career in her 15 years in the insurance industry, with positions on the broker, insurance carrier and healthcare provider sides of the business providing her with a broad perspective on the issues impacting the Employee Benefits sector. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University and her MBA from the University of Tampa.
Commenting on her achievement, Vinas said: “It’s a fantastic honor to be named by Business Insurance as one of the women who is making a difference in an industry that historically has been dominated by men. I’m very passionate about this profession, the insurance business, and working hard everyday to help our clients. Insurance has given me great opportunities to develop my career, and I truly enjoy my leadership role, which allows me to consult, mentor and help others grow in this field. I would like to thank my colleagues at Willis for being a source of encouragement and motivation, and for working together to serve our clients as the best ‘One Flag’ team in the industry.”
Don Bailey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willis North America, said, “Martha is an outstanding professional who strives for, and achieves excellence in all that she does. She is truly an exceptional leader who has won the admiration and respect of her colleagues and our clients, and she is thoroughly deserving of this accolade. Martha is a credit to this profession and to Willis, and I’m delighted that she’s being honored for her achievements.”
Vinas, who joins past honorees from Willis, is profiled in the December 7 issue of Business Insurance, as well as at http://www.businessinsurance.com/section/awards05?date=20091206. Business Insurance will host a luncheon and awards program honoring the 2009 “Women to Watch” on December 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.
