Willis sues Howden over Lombardo hire

Willis Towers Watson sued rival Howden U.S. and former Willis executive Danielle Lombardo on Thursday, alleging she unlawfully took “millions of dollars” in business with her when she joined Howden last month.

Howden has hired hundreds of staff from rivals since launching its U.S. retail business in August. Marsh is also in litigation with the London-based brokerage.

In Willis Americas Administration Inc. and Willis Towers Watson Northeast Inc. v. Danielle Lombardo and Howden US Services LLC, filed in federal court in New Jersey, Willis alleges that Ms. Lombardo breached her employment agreement when she resigned from Willis and joined Howden as vice chair of its U.S. retail operations on Sept. 25.

Ms. Lombardo, who joined Willis from Lockton in 2024 as chair of its North America real estate, hospitality and leisure division, allegedly took to Howden four of her team members and a real estate client worth $1 million in revenue, the suit says.

The real estate company, Time Equities, was one of the clients acquired by Willis in an asset purchase agreement with Lockton when Ms. Lombardo joined Willis. An investment firm client that also generates $1 million in revenue moved to Howden, too, according to the suit.

“Unless Lombardo is enjoined from violating her restrictive covenant obligations for the contractually agreed upon two year period, and unless Defendants are similarly enjoined from inducing the Lombardo Team Employees from violating their restrictive covenant obligations, WTW will be further deprived of the critical transition period during which it is assured of continuing to provide services to the Restricted Clients and Restricted Prospects,” the suit says.

Willis wants an injunction against Ms. Lombardo and Howden.

Howden declined to comment.