RPC is set to launch a new management consultancy business to target its core insurance sector clients, and has hired Rory O’Brien, the former global head of risk consulting and software at Towers Watson, to spearhead the venture.
In what is a rare move by a Legal Business 100 law firm into the management consultancy business – with Eversheds Agile and Addleshaw Goddard’s professional practices consultancy being notable examples – O’Brien joins the firm as a partner and will sit on RPC’s management board. He has been tasked with broadening the top-end advisory services RPC offers its clients in the insurance sector.
Having also served as managing partner and head of insurance management consultancy at EMB Consulting, O’Brien will build an insurance management consulting team that will advise clients on issues including strategy, capital management, operational efficiency, regulation, M&A, and outsourcing.
O’Brien said: ‘There is a major opportunity to create an alternative insurance consultancy provider that is independent, has deep sector expertise and an insurance industry focus. I share RPC’s ambition and willingness to do things differently in the best interests of clients, so it was a natural and logical move to come here, to a firm with a well-established brand in the insurance sector and a track record in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.’
The firm’s managing partner Jonathan Watmough (pictured) added: ‘Rory is a leader in the market and has a strong track record of helping clients prosper. This innovative move to combine top-end consulting and legal services is compelling for our clients, and a significant departure from the traditional law firm offering. And it’s the first major step in RPC becoming a broad-based City professional services business.’
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk