Descartes Underwriting, a specialist in corporate parametric re/insurance solutions for climate and emerging risks, has appointed Jean Hermelin to the newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer.
At Descartes, Hermelin will report to Tanguy Touffut, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder, and join the firm’s Executive Committee.
He is tasked with leading group strategy definition and overseeing its implementation, with a focus on identifying new growth levers and improving operational and sales efficiency.
Hermelin has over 12 years of experience in strategy consulting at Oliver Wyman, where he led transformation and commercial effectiveness programmes for international insurance companies. His cross-functional expertise ranges from business development and partnership negotiation to operational excellence.
The appointment follows sustained growth at Descartes, with premiums of more than $250 million in 2025 as the firm targets premiums of $500 million within three years.
The parametric re/insurer has also expanded its international footprint, with over 40% of business generated in North America and 25% in Asia-Pacific.
Descartes recently reorganised its marketing unit to support sales efforts. The Chief Insurance Officer’s department now oversees content creation and lead generation, under the leadership of Maxime Deroubaix, while the CEO’s office manages branding, external communications, and events, under the direction of Marie-Anne Faidy.
