Global corporate insurer Descartes Underwriting has expanded its U.S. presence with new offices in Scottsdale and Richmond while also making a string of key appointments to support growth worldwide.
“Now with more than 200 employees worldwide, Descartes Underwriting’s new branches in Scottsdale, Arizona and Richmond, Virginia add to its physical presence in LA and New York, plus Charlotte NC, Chicago IL, Denver CO, and Little Rock AK,” the firm said.
With the new additions, Descartes’ global footprint now stands at 16 offices worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Among the key people moves within the firm, Tanguy Touffut, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Descartes Underwriting, will now be responsible for the overall management of critical functions (operations, finance, strategy, human resources, and marketing & communications), and will focus on the drivers of future growth.
Elsewhere, Sébastien Piguet, Co-founder and former Chief Underwriting Officer, has been appointed Chief Insurance Officer of Descartes Underwriting.
“Henceforth Sébastien will oversee the business development and underwriting teams, whose close collaboration will accelerate the profitable growth of the portfolio through our invaluable broking partners. He will leave his position as CEO of Descartes Insurance, the Group’s insurance company, subject to ACPR confirmation,” Descartes said.
At the same time, Kevin Dedieu, Co-founder and former Chief R&D Officer, has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer of Descartes Underwriting.
All technology functions will reportedly be united under his leadership to accelerate the implementation of additional AI functionality in areas such as climate analysis and risk assessment. Additionally, he will become Chief Executive Officer of Descartes Insurance, subject to ACPR confirmation.
Concurrently, Violaine Raybaud will continue as Chief Operating Officer of Descartes Underwriting, and will become Deputy CEO of Descartes Insurance, subject to ACPR confirmation, while Daniel Vetter, currently Head of North America, has been promoted to Head of the Americas, to additionally oversee operations in Latin America.
Descartes also revealed that members of the restructured leadership team will be supported by several new, highly experienced Heads of Departments.
Marie Chabal Filleteau has been appointed Chief People Officer, effective August 26, 2024. She reportedly brings more than 15 years of experience in developing talent and corporate culture, including 4 years at Doctolib and more than 10 at BCG.
Meanwhile, Eric Allombert has been appointed interim Chief Marketing & Communication Officer. Allombert has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, including four as Marketing and Sales Director at AXA Partners, and five years at Wakam.
Matthew James has also been appointed Commercial Director, UK & Ireland. Descartes explained that James is a specialist in complex and emerging insurance products. He brings more than 12 years of experience in parametric risk transfer, including 10 with WTW.
Finally, Louis Bollaert, previously Chief Revenue Officer, will be leaving the firm to take up a management position in the insurance brokerage sector.
Aforementioned Tanguy Touffut, co-founder and CEO of Descartes, commented, “Strengthening our presence in the United States is essential for the development of our Group and for consolidating our position as the world leader in parametric insurance.
“It will enable us to respond more effectively to the local needs of our broker partners, who are confronted with an increasing frequency of climatic and emerging risks.”
