These are the traits that permeate the way we do business. In 2007, Willis Group delivered solid financial performance and demonstrated that our Shaping our Future strategy – specific initiatives designed to drive profitable growth – is working. We showed top-line growth, operating margin expansion and improvement in adjusted earnings. We continued to position ourselves for growth in some of the world's fastest developing regions. The diversity of our business mix and targeted growth strategies position us well for success.
Willis is known for its consistent, excellent financial results. But in a professional service industry like ours, the ultimate test will always be – or should always be – client service. We have built a culture that is passionate about putting our clients first. As the first broker to disavow contingents and refuse supplemental compensation, Willis has taken an unwavering stand on acting in the best interests of the client.
We were the first broker to develop a Client Bill of Rights, which further expresses our commitment to transparency. Our One Flag approach guarantees that all our Associates, wherever they are located, work as part of one cohesive team to serve clients – wherever they are located. This is the spirit that underlies our Glocal service – delivering the entire breadth and depth of our global resources to a client locally. The crowning differentiator continues to be the Willis Client Advocate® service model, whereby a specially trained professional truly understands a client's business, and then brings industry and marketplace knowledge to create strategic, innovative, tailor-made solutions. At every turn, our clients come first.
Of course none of this could happen without our dedicated, talented Associates around the world! Willis strives to be the Employer of Choice. To make good on that commitment, we have instituted a robust performance management system and career-pathing process backed up training designed to give Associates the tools they need for success. This will always be a people business.
As we face the future, we have never been more passionate about our vision to become the best insurance brokerage company in the world. To help us get there, we launched a new brand promise that drives our every action: Willis will always challenge the status quo to create new and better ways to serve our clients' best interests. We are the change-agent that truly partners with clients to advance their performance and change the industry for their benefit. Willis never settles for second best or relies on the old ways of doing things.
A new attitude deserves a new home. The Willis Building, our just-opened, high-tech, "green," state-of-the-art London headquarters located across the street from Lloyd's, is truly a monument to the Willis vision. And our Shaping our Future strategy is the foundation that will help us realize that vision. We have proved it time and again in the results we deliver-for our clients and for ourselves.
Willis is a team sport. Our 16,000 proactive, energetic Willis Associates around the world are at the heart of our success in 2007 and the promise of what's to come. I thank them for their commitment and their passion for our clients and Willis.
We have the best team, the best strategy and the will to win!