John Atkinson
EVP and Managing Director, Willis Towers Watson
John is an Executive Vice President, and Managing Director for Willis Towers Watson, NYSE: WLTW, Chicago. Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path of growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 39,000 employees in more than 120 countries. WTW designs and delivers solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.
John is a recognized business leader in the insurance and human capital space. He has focused his career on building companies and teams designed to help organizations navigate complex business problems in the areas of risk, finance, and human capital. John has received numerous industry awards, is an author and frequent speaker on a variety of business topics.
In his current role John oversees one of the firm’s fastest growing businesses in North America and serves on both the Chicago and North American leadership teams of Willis Towers Watson. In addition, John serves on the firm’s Inclusion and Diversity Council and is proud of the firm’s commitment to I&D as recognized by the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and the Paradigm for Parity Pledge.
John is also responsible for WTW’s community engagement in Chicago through his involvement in various civic and philanthropic organizations.
Educational Background
John graduated from Benedictine University, formerly Illinois Benedictine College with a BS in Political Science in 1984 after transferring from College of DuPage in 1981.
Civic and Philanthropic Activities
John is involved in a variety of civic and philanthropic organizations that are central to the issues and causes he cares deeply about. Those organizations and roles include:
Director, World Business Chicago
A public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
Director, Cradles to Crayons
Provides kids with new and nearly new children’s items collected through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. All Donations are processed and packaged by volunteers in our warehouse located in Logan’s Square, called The Giving Factory. Packages from the Giving Factory are distributed to local disadvantaged children through our network of service partners.
Director, Kennedy Forum of Illinois
Works towards lasting change in the way mental health and addictions are considered and treated. KFI aims to revolutionize the way mental health care is addressed, ending stigma against mental health and substance use disorders in both attitude and practice.
Director and Vice Chair Emeritus, One Million Degrees
Accelerates community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility. OMD provides comprehensive supports to community college students, including tutoring, volunteer coaching, financial assistance and professional development. OMD Scholars graduate at twice the state average with the skills and experiences necessary to launch upwardly mobile professional careers.
Steering Committee, Illinois Business Immigration Coalition
Represents a growing and diverse set of businesses and business associations promoting sensible, comprehensive federal immigration reform to benefit the people and economy of our state.
Member, Board of Regents, Loyola University Chicago
Member, Board of Advisors, Catholic Charities of Chicago
Member Executive Board, American Seniors Housing Association
Member, Economic Club of Chicago
EVP and Managing Director, Willis Towers Watson
John is an Executive Vice President, and Managing Director for Willis Towers Watson, NYSE: WLTW, Chicago. Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path of growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 39,000 employees in more than 120 countries. WTW designs and delivers solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.
John is a recognized business leader in the insurance and human capital space. He has focused his career on building companies and teams designed to help organizations navigate complex business problems in the areas of risk, finance, and human capital. John has received numerous industry awards, is an author and frequent speaker on a variety of business topics.
In his current role John oversees one of the firm’s fastest growing businesses in North America and serves on both the Chicago and North American leadership teams of Willis Towers Watson. In addition, John serves on the firm’s Inclusion and Diversity Council and is proud of the firm’s commitment to I&D as recognized by the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and the Paradigm for Parity Pledge.
John is also responsible for WTW’s community engagement in Chicago through his involvement in various civic and philanthropic organizations.
Educational Background
John graduated from Benedictine University, formerly Illinois Benedictine College with a BS in Political Science in 1984 after transferring from College of DuPage in 1981.
Civic and Philanthropic Activities
John is involved in a variety of civic and philanthropic organizations that are central to the issues and causes he cares deeply about. Those organizations and roles include:
Director, World Business Chicago
A public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
Director, Cradles to Crayons
Provides kids with new and nearly new children’s items collected through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. All Donations are processed and packaged by volunteers in our warehouse located in Logan’s Square, called The Giving Factory. Packages from the Giving Factory are distributed to local disadvantaged children through our network of service partners.
Director, Kennedy Forum of Illinois
Works towards lasting change in the way mental health and addictions are considered and treated. KFI aims to revolutionize the way mental health care is addressed, ending stigma against mental health and substance use disorders in both attitude and practice.
Director and Vice Chair Emeritus, One Million Degrees
Accelerates community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility. OMD provides comprehensive supports to community college students, including tutoring, volunteer coaching, financial assistance and professional development. OMD Scholars graduate at twice the state average with the skills and experiences necessary to launch upwardly mobile professional careers.
Steering Committee, Illinois Business Immigration Coalition
Represents a growing and diverse set of businesses and business associations promoting sensible, comprehensive federal immigration reform to benefit the people and economy of our state.
Member, Board of Regents, Loyola University Chicago
Member, Board of Advisors, Catholic Charities of Chicago
Member Executive Board, American Seniors Housing Association
Member, Economic Club of Chicago