AI insurtech omni:us taps ex-Univé CEO Heideman to drive global expansion

Berlin-based artificial intelligence (AI) powered insurtech start-up omni:us has appointed Joost Heideman as strategic advisor to help drive the company’s global expansion plans.

Heideman has more than 25 years experience in the insurance industry, and he was until January 2019 chief executive officer of Dutch mutual insurance company Univé.

He also served on the executive board of the Dutch Association of Insurers, the Dutch Platform of Mutual Insurers (which he also chaired), the Management Board of AMICE, the European Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and Euresa, a European innovation platform.

omni:us recently opened a UK office in London, and established a North America presence. In Oct. 2018, the start-up secured $22.5 million investment in its Series A funding round.

omni:us' AI technology is currently used by global insurers including Allianz, Baloise and AmTrust, and insurtech firms such as Wefox.

omni:us chief executive officer Sofie Quidenus-Wahlforss said: “We are delighted that such a seasoned and respected insurance leader as Joost has chosen to join omni:us at such an exciting time in the company’s history.

"Artificial intelligence is set to transform the way that insurance companies do business, and Joost will play a vital role as we help insurance companies around the world adopt this technology so that they can enjoy the transformative benefits that it can deliver.”

Heideman added: “It is obvious that digital transformation is already happening in the insurance industry and it also clear that it will accelerate exponentially in years to come. As much as the industry is trying to deal with this the best way it can, I have also seen and experienced that it can benefit strongly from teaming up with new, innovative and tech-driven players such as omni:us from outside the industry. I therefore truly believe that omni:us can make a big impact with AI in the insurance space and I am looking forward to building this success together.”

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