Swiss Re builds out FinPro leadership to drive profitable growth

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance arm of Swiss Re, has bolstered its financial & professional services (FinPro) underwriting team with key leadership appointments.

Laura Coppola, who joined Swiss Re Corporate Solutions in January 2020 as head casualty and FinPro North America, is appointed global head FinPro in addition to her existing role.

Going forward, Coppola will be responsible for driving the company's growth in this line of business, overseeing a team of business leaders, underwriters and product managers, and developing the company's FinPro underwriting strategy globally. She will continue to be based in New York City. Coppola has 25 years of insurance experience having held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility within the industry.

Kristyn Smallcombe has been appointed global head of construction professional indemnity and general liability (PI & GL) in addition to her current role as head construction PI & GL North America, which she has held since 2018.

In her new position, Smallcombe will be responsible for developing Swiss Re Corporate Solutions' construction PI and GL underwriting approach. She will continue to be based in Chicago and report to Coppola.

Prior to joining Swiss Re, Smallcombe held numerous leadership roles, product line management and senior underwriting positions at a large corporate insurer.

Lastly, Paul Rodriguez has been named global head executive risks in addition to his existing role as head executive risks North America. He will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of Corporate Solutions' executive risks product line, which includes directors & officers liability, employment practices liability and fiduciary liability solutions. He will continue to be based in New York City and report to Coppola.

Before joining Swiss Re in 2011, Rodriguez held management and underwriting positions with other commercial insurers.

Kera McDonald, chief underwriting officer bespoke at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, said: "Laura, Kristyn and Paul are highly accomplished leaders with proven track records of delivering results – both throughout their careers and for our North America operations.

"We are very fortunate to have so many talented colleagues ready to take on new opportunities and grow as leaders. Laura, Kristyn and Paul will no doubt work extremely effectively together to support our customers, oversee the profitable growth of our FinPro business and advance corporate insurance together."