Swiss Re CS creates new leadership role in huge push for renewables

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the primary insurance arm of global reinsurer  Swiss Re, has appointed its first head of renewable energy as the company looks to scale up its renewable energy and infrastructure portfolio focussed on sustainable growth opportunities in the market.

Faris Nimri (pictured left) will assume the newly created role of head of renewable energy with effect from mid-May.

Based in Zurich, he will be responsible for growing Corporate Solutions' renewable energy portfolio, both in construction and in operation, as well as risk transfer solutions for various segments, such as solar, offshore and onshore wind and battery storage. He will also coordinate Corporate Solutions' Centre of Competence Wind (CoC Wind).

Nimri currently serves as an expert engineering underwriter, specialising in the renewable energy segment. He started his insurance career with Corporate Solutions in 2012, after having worked for nearly 10 years in the construction industry as a project engineering manager in Australia and the Middle East.

Additionally, the company has appointed Cedric Wong (pictured right), currently expert engineering underwriter, to take on the role of head of E&C wholesale in the UK. He will replace Jon Wiegand who has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.

In his new role, Wong will be responsible for strengthening Corporate Solutions' position in large, complex international engineering projects placed in the London market and in offering risk management solutions to Corporate Solutions’ customers. He will continue to be based in London.

Cedric joined Corporate Solutions in 2005 as an E&C underwriter and in 2020 was promoted to the role of head of ELR (Engineering Large Risk). He has supported the global business unit with the underwriting of large complex projects worldwide, and is the lead underwriter on a number of major infrastructure projects including the Crossrail project in London. Cedric previously held the position of chairman of the London Engineering Group (LEG).

Manuela Baroncini, head engineering & construction at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, said: “We are fortunate to have a rich talent pool and I'm delighted that we have been able to promote both Faris and Cedric into these important roles.

“The engineering & construction market has a key role to play in the post-pandemic recovery of our communities and economies and build a better, more sustainable future. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions wants to create a partnership with our customers and help them in this journey towards a net zero economy and beyond.

“With their technical knowledge and expertise, Faris and Cedric will further build on our position in the insurance market and scale up our Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Portfolio in Corporate Solutions."

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