It’s official: Sears Tower is now Big Willie
Chicago’s Sears Tower has been renamed Willis Tower in a ceremony this week.
Willis chief executive Joe Plumeri and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley officially renamed the tower in a ceremony attended by local government leaders, the building’s owners, and Willis staff.
London-based insurer Willis secured naming rights for the building as part of an agreement to lease office blocks in the 110-storey skyscraper.
However, local protesters resent the tower – which opened in 1973 and is seen as symbol of American capitalism – being named after a British company.
To vent their anger at Willis, campaigners have branded the tower ‘Big Willie’.
When it opened, the tower was the tallest building in the world, and retained the title until 1998.
Despite local opposition, Willis believes the tower will make the company a household name across the US.
“Everybody knows that tower,” said chief executive Joe Plumeri before the naming ceremony.
“If we’re good corporate citizens and do what we should, hopefully Willis and the tower and Chicago will all become synonymous.”
Category: Companies News, Insurance News, Willis News
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