PARIS, May 22nd, 2025: Descartes Underwriting, world leader in corporate parametric insurance solutions for climate, cyber, and emerging risks, today announces two senior appointments to drive operations and claims. The strategic appointments will underpin broker and client service by further enhancing Descartes’ efficiency and quality during a period of rapid growth driven by global demand for science-based risk transfer.
Sophie Bassoulet joins as Head of Operations. She brings more than ten years’ experience in operations management and business consulting, having spent the past years as Operations Manager at French healthtech insurer Alan after a career at McKinsey and AXA Global Direct in France and Morocco. Sophie will lead Descartes’ operations team as the company’s portfolio and product range grow. She reports to Chief Operating Officer Violaine Raybaud.
Kelly Collet-Jones joins as Claims Manager. She spent more than a decade at Chubb in various claims management roles, after six years at loss adjuster Cunningham Lindsey France. Kelly will work closely with Descartes’ insurance partners to build sustainable claims processes, foster strong relationships with brokers, and deliver technical claims expertise across the Descartes Group. She too will report to Chief Operating Officer Violaine Raybaud.
Violaine Raybaud said: “By applying Descartes’ innovative approach to our operations and claims, we're unlocking unprecedented data analytics, streamlining our processes, and ultimately enhancing our ability to proactively empower our insureds and partners. I am proud to have Sophie and Kelly leading this transformative effort.”
Ms. Bassoulet said: “Descartes is reinventing insurance to help companies thrive in a constantly changing world. It's a powerful proposition. Our rapid growth brings exciting new operational challenges, both in volume and complexity. My goal is to find the sweet spot between standardized processes and agility, all by harnessing our team's expertise and digital solutions. I'm eager to tackle this challenge with the teams.”
Ms. Collet-Jones said: “From its inception with parametric insurance, claims has been central to Descartes' value proposition. In today's landscape of natural disasters and evolving risks, insureds prioritize swift and seamless claims resolution. I'm excited to contribute my expertise to this core mission, leveraging technology to ensure Descartes’ brokers and corporate clients experience unparalleled satisfaction with the efficiency and quality of the claims service delivered by Descartes and its partners.”
