The International Credit Insurance & Surety Association (ICISA), the industry body representing companies involved in credit insurance and surety, has appointed Annet de Grooth as its new Executive Director.
De Grooth will replace Richard Wulff as the Association prepares to enter its second century. Her start date has not yet been agreed.
De Grooth has more than 20 years of experience in the credit insurance and surety sector, according to ICISA, with professional experience in surety underwriting, reinsurance and senior leadership. She has been Head of Surety Europe at Dual Europe since April 2023, where she is based in the Netherlands.
Before joining Dual Europe, De Grooth held positions at Credendo, Nationale Borg, now part of Liberty Mutual, and Atradius. She holds an MBA in Change Management.
In her new position, De Grooth will work with ICISA’s members, Management Committee and wider stakeholder group. The Association said her role will include strengthening its representation of the global credit insurance and surety sector, as well as increasing awareness of the role the industry plays in supporting trade, investment and economic resilience.
ICISA said the appointment comes as the sector responds to changing economic and geopolitical conditions. The Association also plans to continue developing its role as a platform for industry expertise, knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
ICISA President Jan Mueller said: “I am delighted to welcome Annet de Grooth as ICISA’s new Executive Director. Annet’s extensive experience and expertise in surety, together with her leadership capabilities, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen ICISA’s voice and support our members in navigating a rapidly changing economic and geopolitical environment.
“As ICISA celebrates its centenary and looks ahead to its second century, we are particularly pleased to welcome new leadership that reflects both the strength of our industry and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to its future. We look forward to working with Annet as ICISA enters this next phase.”
Wulff added: “I am extremely happy to hand the reigns to Annet. Annet will bring an extra dimension to ICISA. She will bring different perspectives to ICISA and brings the professional experience and energy to stay on track of expanding and modernising our association. Her long experience in the industry guarantees the professional nature of ICISA, together with ICISA’s team at the secretariat.”
De Grooth commented: “I am very pleased to be joining ICISA at such an important moment in the Association’s history and for our industry. As ICISA enters its second century, I look forward to helping shape its next chapter and building on the strong foundations created over the past 100 years. I am also honoured to become the first woman to serve as Executive Director.
“I hope this appointment can contribute, in a small way, to encouraging greater diversity and demonstrating that there is a place for a wide range of perspectives and leadership experiences in our industry. Credit insurance and surety play a vital role in supporting businesses, facilitating trade and managing risk, and I look forward to working closely with ICISA’s members, partners and stakeholders to further strengthen the Association’s impact and profile.”
