The Geneva Association has announced the appointment of Darren Pain as Director of Research and Dennis Noordhoek as Director of External Stakeholder Engagement, both effective 1 January 2025.
Pain, who currently serves as Director Cyber and Evolving Liability, will be succeeding Kai-Uwe Schanz.
In his new role, he will oversee the organisation’s portfolio of research while continuing to lead the organisation’s cyber and liability work.
Prior to joining the Geneva Association in 2022, Pain worked at the Swiss Re Institute, as well as at the Bank of England and the European Central Bank.
Commenting on his appointment, Pain said: “I step into the role of Director of Research fully committed to advancing our current research priorities and programme of activities. There are also exciting opportunities to elevate our research agenda with a sharper focus on risk foresight and the role of re/insurance in managing those future exposures.
“Anticipating emerging risks and their implications will be critical as we shape our 2026–27 agenda and continue to deliver expert thought leadership. I look forward to working closely with our research team and our member companies to maintain and strengthen the Geneva Association’s position as the insurance industry’s leading think tank.”
Noordhoek currently holds the role of Director Public Policy & Regulation. As he takes over his new role in 2025, he will spearhead the Association’s efforts to deepen relationships with key organisations and amplify its global outreach.
He joined the Geneva Association in 2012 and has held a number of roles ever since. He has authored several reports at the intersection of public policy, regulation and insurance, as well as on the regulation of artificial intelligence in insurance.
Noordhoek saidstated “I am honoured to take on the newly established role of Director of External Stakeholder Engagement. This position offers a unique opportunity to deepen our relationships with policymakers, regulatory and supervisory authorities, insurance associations and multilateral institutions.
“By fostering robust dialogue, we aim to ensure that our research and recommendations reach the right stakeholders to achieve meaningful impact.”
Jad Ariss, Managing Director of the Geneva Association, commented: “I want to thank Kai-Uwe Schanz for his valuable contributions these past five years in establishing a solid research framework and team and producing outstanding research himself. I wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.
He continued: “I warmly congratulate Darren Pain and Dennis Noordhoek on their well-deserved promotions, which position the Geneva Association to achieve even greater impact in the years ahead.
“Darren’s appointment as Director of Research reflects our commitment to high-quality research that serves the insurance industry and society, while Dennis’ transition to Director of External Stakeholder Engagement signals the ever-increasing importance of our relationships with key partners.”
