Descartes expands its presence in the United States and strengthens its management team to accelerate growth.
Descartes, world leader in Corporate parametric insurance solutions for climate, cyber and emerging risks, today announces:
- More than 200 employees worldwide
- The opening of two new offices in the United States
- The appointment of several experienced leaders to support its strong growth in France and worldwide.
At the forefront of AI and data analysis, the global corporate insurer has developed a unique and particularly advanced platform, which uses cutting-edge technologies, combined with new generations of data sources, to model, assess and manage emerging risks.
Two new U.S. offices to meet market and broker needs
Descartes continues to strengthen its teams and its international presence, particularly in the United States, the largest market for natural risk insurance: the insurer now has over 200 employees worldwide and 8 offices in the United States, with the opening of branches in Scottsdale, Arizona and Richmond,Virginia.
Descartes once again demonstrates the attractiveness of its offering, establishing itself as a global insurer with a total of 16 offices in Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America.
Key talent appointments to support growth
To accelerate its growth in the insurance market for climate, cyber and emerging risks, and to continue investing in its technological platform, Descartes announces a number of key appointments :
Tanguy Touffut, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, will be responsible for the overall management of critical functions (marketing & communication, operations, finance, strategy, human resources) and will devote most of his time to the Group's future growth drivers.
Sébastien Piguet, Co-founder and former Chief Underwriting Officer, is appointed Chief Insurance Officer of Descartes Underwriting: he will oversee the sales and underwriting teams, whose close collaboration will accelerate the profitable growth of the portfolio by continuing to rely on our broking partners. He will leave his position as CEO of Descartes Insurance, the Group's insurance company, subject to ACPR* confirmation.
Kevin Dedieu, Co-founder and former Chief R&D Officer, is appointed Chief Scientific Officer of Descartes Underwriting: the various technological functions will be united under his leadership with the aim of accelerating AI-related technologies. He will become Chief Executive Officer of Descartes Insurance, subject to ACPR confirmation.
Violaine Raybaud will continue as Chief Operating Officer of Descartes Underwriting and will also become Deputy CEO of Descartes Insurance, subject to ACPR confirmation.
Daniel Vetter, currently Head of North America, is promoted to Head of the Americas and will be overseeing the Latin American region in addition to his current scope.
This new leadership structure is supported by the arrival of experienced profiles at the head of several Descartes departments, and will enable the group to enter a new phase in its development:
Marie Chabal Filleteau is appointed Chief People Officer effective August 26, 2024. She brings more than 15 years' experience in developing talent and corporate culture, including 4 years at Doctolib and more than 10 years at BCG.
Eric Allombert will temporarily take on the role of Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, with 25 years' experience in marketing, including 4 years as Marketing and Sales Director at AXA Partners and 5 years at Wakam.
Matthew James, appointed Commercial Director UK & Ireland, is a specialist in complex and emerging insurance products, with over 12 years' experience in the industry, including 10 years with Willis Towers Watson.
Louis Bollaert, previously Chief Revenue Officer, will be leaving the Group to take up a management position in the insurance brokerage sector.
Descartes will continue to implement an ambitious recruitment plan, with over 100 new hires planned over the next 12 months, in line with its growth targets.
Tanguy Touffut, co-founder and CEO of Descartes: « Strengthening our presence in the United States is essential for the development of our Group and for consolidating our position as the world leader in parametric insurance. It will enable us to respond more effectively to the local needs of our broker partners, who are confronted with an increasing frequency of climatic and emerging risks. »
About Descartes
Descartes is a global corporate insurer that collaborates with brokers to protect their corporate and public sector clients against climate, cyber and other emerging risks. At the forefront of AI and Data analysis, Descartes utilizes cutting-edge technology combined with a new generation of data sources, to model, assess and manage risks.
Offering a full range of insurance products that are cost-effective and fully transparent with predefined and swift claims payouts, Descartes has the capacity to underwrite $75M per policy (up to $200M in some cases).
With a global footprint and strong U.S. presence, Descartes serves a diverse portfolio of over 400 large corporate and public entity clients across 16 offices in 9 countries.
The Descartes group is comprised of Descartes Insurance, a full-stack insurer operating in several European countries, and Descartes Underwriting, a global MGA backed by a panel of tier-one risk carriers. The company has been financed with over $141M by investors including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay and Eurazeo.
