Descartes draws Aon leader to drive go-to-market strategy

Paris-based managing general agency (MGA)  Descartes Underwriting, an insurtech that specialises in corporate insurance against climate and emerging risks, has hired  Aon’s head of credit & political and M&A in France to drive its go-to-market strategy.

Louis Bollaert (Pictured) joins Descartes as chief revenue officer and will oversee expanding its corporate offering to climate-exposed markets globally. He will also manage the roll-out of expanded product lines and customer segments.

Bollaert has over 20 years of brokerage, risk management and insurance industry experience, most recently as the head of trade credit, political risk, surety and M&A solutions at Aon in France. Prior to that, he worked at Euler Hermes France as distribution and partnerships director.

Bollaert said: “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.

“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.”

Violaine Raybaud, previously head of business development, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer, remarked: “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.”

Did you get value from this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.