Parametric specialist Descartes hires Aon’s Bollaert as Chief Revenue Officer

Descartes Underwriting, an insurance technology (insurtech) focused managing general agency (MGA) that specialises in parametric and data-driven risk transfer products, has announced the hiring of its first Chief Revenue Officer.

Joining the company is Louis Bollaert, who was previously working for insurance and reinsurance broking group Aon in France.

Bollaert will be tasked with driving forward Descartes Underwriting’s go-to-market strategy for its global network of broker partners.

He will also oversee expanding Descartes’ corporate parametric insurance offering to climate-exposed markets globally.

Descartes also expects that Bollaert will manage the roll-out of expanded product lines and customer segments, as it builds-out its technology-focused approach to modelling, in support of new parametric risk transfer product creation.

Bollaert has worked as the Head of Trade Credit, Political risk, Surety and M&A Solutions at Aon in France for over seven years.

Before that, he worked at Euler Hermes for over six years, his last role being in France as Distribution and Partnerships Director.

His career began as an internal auditor and project manager at Bouygues Telecom, with time also spent as a strategic consultant for an independent firm.

“Climate change and emerging exposures are deeply changing the risk landscape. From Melbourne to Miami, the physical and financial implications of intensifying natural perils are on the rise, underscoring the need for a revolutionary shift in how we, as an industry, understand risk and provide insurance solutions,” Bollaert commented.

“I am delighted to be joining the great team of Descartes Underwriting. First, because I fully share its ambition to become a major global player in corporate resilience to climate change. Secondly, due to the approach & resources devoted to serving this ambition. The intelligent “exploitation” of data will be the only way to mobilize market capital in the face of increasingly complex risk. And above all, given the talent comprising the team, which is so versatile and brilliant, and whose youth and fierce desire to serve the cause of climate transition reassure me about our future. I look forward to continuing in close collaboration with Descartes’ global network of brokers to jointly provide their clients with bespoke solutions that build resilience and a smooth transition, through an expanded product line against climate risks,” Bollaert added.

In addition, Descartes Underwriting has announced that Violaine Raybaud, previously Head of Business Development, has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

The company sees this as a decisive step in its journey towards becoming an industry-leader as the next gen corporate insurer against climate and emerging risks.

Raynaud said, “We are proud of the strong foundations we’ve built and the fast growth delivered by our outstanding global team. Welcoming Louis marks a major milestone in our continued momentum towards building future successes with our broker partners. As COO, I look forward to steering the team to further infuse technology and Descartes’ client-first approach within our finance and operations divisions.”

Tanguy Touffut, Descartes’ CEO & Co-founder also sad, “The climate is changing and new risks are emerging, while high inflation could put insurance renewals at risk. Yet the insurance industry is neither structured nor prepared to meet the evolving challenges clients face. This is where Descartes’ parametric products can play a role in corporate insurance programs, and support a better dialogue between risk managers, brokers and carriers. We are happy to welcome Louis to the team to continue to fuel our product pipeline and close collaboration with brokers as they navigate a challenging market environment and their clients’ climate exposures.”