omni:us, an insurance-focused artificial intelligence (AI) solutions business, has appointed Joost Heideman as strategic advisor to help drive its global expansion plans.
Heideman has more than 25 years experience in the insurance industry and was until January 2019 Chief Executive Officer of Dutch mutual insurance company Univé.
In his new role, Heideman will offer strategic advice about the global insurance industry and use his industry contacts to help drive business development.
“We are delighted that such a seasoned and respected insurance leader as Joost has chosen to join omni:us at such an exciting time in the company’s history,” said omni:us Chief Executive Officer Sofie Quidenus-Wahlforss.
“Artificial intelligence is set to transform the way that insurance companies do business, and Joost will play a vital role as we help insurance companies around the world adopt this technology so that they can enjoy the transformative benefits that it can deliver,” he explained.
At Univé, Heideman was responsible for a major transformation programme, including the digitalisation and modernisation of the entire company.
He also served on the Executive Board of the Dutch Association of Insurers, the Dutch Platform of Mutual Insurers, the Management Board of AMICE, the European Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and Euresa, a European innovation platform.
“It is obvious that digital transformation is already happening in the insurance industry and it also clear that it will accelerate exponentially in years to come,” Heideman said.
“As much as the industry is trying to deal with this the best way it can, I have also seen and experienced that it can benefit strongly from teaming up with new, innovative and tech-driven players such as omni:us from outside the industry,” he continued.
“I therefore truly believe that omni:us can make a big impact with AI in the insurance space and I am looking forward to building this success together.”
omni:us is based in Berlin and recently opened a UK office in London, as well as establishing a presence in North America.
The insurtech completed its Series A round of funding in October 2018 and secured a total investment of $22.5 million, led by Berlin-based venture capital firm Target Global, MMC Ventures and Talis Capital.
