The Brief
Showcase how Willis helps clients to become resilient in an increasingly complex and interrelated world.
The Solution
A pioneering scientific expedition to the South Pole, led by 19 year-old climate change campaigner Parker Liautaud.
Willis has a high profile within its core insurance sector yet brand awareness in wider business spheres was minimal. Instead of opting for a mainstream sports sponsorship, Willis decided to fund a high-profile initiative that would tell its story to the public in a more relevant, genuine and compelling way.
With the help of Captive Minds, Willis created the Willis Resilience Expedition led by 19 Year-Old Climate Change Campaigner, Parker Liautaud. The expedition sought to:
Understand our changing world – via an ambitious 1,800km crossing of Antarctica during which hundreds of ice samples would be gathered from untouched parts of the polar plateau.
Highlight the resilience of the human spirit – in setting a new coast-to-pole speed record on foot from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole (560km).
The agency was engaged as a total project management solution responsible for all logistics, activation and communications. Captive Minds designed a custom-built studio in the lobby of the Willis building; produced a 16 x 1 hour TV series; managed 6 press and client events in London, New York and Iceland; developed a data-driven website; handled all PR and social communications; and delivered a safe and successful recording-breaking Antarctic expedition. We were also very proud to deliver the world’s first live video broadcast from Antarctica over the Iridium network – something which took several months of research and development.
Through Captive Minds’ activity, Willis was able to position itself as a global thought leader on climate issues. The campaign galvanised staff and stimulated rich conversations with Willis clients about the opportunities and threats facing their businesses today.
Results
Brand awareness
- Media coverage reached an audience in excess of 663,256,150 in 146 territories.
- Twitter delivered 928,668 impressions and 46,086 clicks from a new expedition account.
- World-first live coverage from the South Pole including ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’, the BBC, CNN, ITV, CNBC and The Weather Channel.
Global thought leadership
- Willis became the forum for over 40 clients, industry experts and organisations to give their views on climate through the Willis TV series.
- Parker named ‘Top 30 Under 30’ in Time Magazine.
- Former Vice President Al Gore delivered a personal message to the Explorer’s Club launch and appeared on stage with Willis’ CEO at WEF, Davos.
- Willis risk and science advisory staff in NY and London helped plan the expedition, one employee helped fulfill the mission in Antarctica, and 335 offices worldwide sent messages of support.
- Willis associated with Parker Liautaud successfully setting two polar world records.
Sales and new business
- Target client accounts experienced an average 35% increase in revenues, paying for the campaign many times over.
- New business enquiries rose by 12%.