The UK Court of Appeal has granted Willis, a global insurance broker, an injunction against rival insurance group Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) to prevent it from recruiting more of its art experts. The order comes after JLT poached a team of 22 fine art, jewellery and coin specialists from Willis—including David Gordon, its team’s global managing director—in early April. Gordon and his team are expected to join JLT in October.
Meanwhile, Willis is also seeking damages against JLT Group, JLT Specialty and Gordon for alleged conspiracy, breach of duty and wrongful interference. The trial is scheduled to last 20 days and will begin in London’s High Court in April 2016.
Willis said in a statement: “We are committed to investing in, and continually improving, our offering to FAJS clients under the strong leadership of the newly-appointed global [chief executive], Seth Peller.” In a statement, JLT said that it will “defend its legitimate business interests vigorously”.