Howden has appointed Rowan Douglas as CEO, Climate Risk & Resilience.

With more than 30 years of experience in the re/insurance industry, Mr Douglas was previously with Willis Towers Watson where, prior to his departure, he led the Climate and Resilience Hub
Previously, he served on the board of Willis Re as CEO of its analytics division, founding the Willis Research Network. From 2011 to 2016, he served on the UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science & Technology and was awarded a CBE in 2016 for Services to the Economy through Risk, Insurance and Sustainable Growth.

Rowan Douglas, CEO, Climate Risk & Resilience said: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden at this remarkable time in its growth and with climate central to its future development. My decision was driven by the company’s recognition, from the very top, that insurance capabilities are essential to de-risk the climate transition and protect lives, assets and livelihoods. I look forward to working with David, Charlie and the wider team and have already been empowered and enthused by the can-do, collaborative and entrepreneurial culture here at Howden. Our focus will be on embedding the work of the Climate Risk and Resilience division across all of Howden’s product lines and geographies, ensuring it supports our clients and partners.”

David Howden, chief executive officer, Howden, added: “Tackling climate change requires the most substantial reallocation of capital in history, and insurance has a huge role to play across the mitigation, adaptation and resilience agenda. Meeting the challenge will take a global effort and radical collaboration across all industries, and between both the private and public sectors.

“To have someone of Rowan’s calibre join us demonstrates not only the credentials of our Climate Risk and Resilience team but highlights our desire to use insurance as a force for good. Our goal is to embed climate and resilience expertise across the insurance value chain, for the benefit both of existing clients and those who do not have access to insurance.”

Mr Douglas will be based in London and will report to David Howden, CEO, Howden. He will continue in his role as chair of the Operating Committee for the IDF, as part of his commitment to mobilising multilateral and cross-industry cooperation as a means to tackling the complex challenges around climate risk and resilience.

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