Global insurer Willis Towers Watson (WTW) has launched a new sports & entertainment (S&E) industry group that will support its global network with S&E organisations to identify, mitigate, and transfer risks associated with the sector.

Ian Tomlin, the head of accident and health at WTW, will lead the new London-based industry group to use the insurer's expertise to provide advice on exposures of S&E organisations and professionals across asset, liability, and human capital risk.

“We are excited to launch the sports & entertainment industry group, which will align a breadth of expertise across the network to offer the sector a new comprehensive, global approach to risk management,” Tomlin said.

“We are delighted to be working across the global sports industry as well as supporting event organisers and production companies in partnership with the Willis Towers Watson leisure and hospitality practice.”

Adam Garrard, global head of CRB at Willis Towers Watson, noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the brokerage's clients in the S&E industry – with new and emerging risks like event cancellation, pandemic-related coverage, and increasing need for spectator management, all deemed critical to the future of the sector.

“Our expertise in this sector ensures we can provide dedicated sports and entertainment support to clients which can address the unique people and risk management needs of this industry,” Garrard said.