Global insurance group Howden announced today the appointment of Rowan Douglas as CEO of its Climate Risk and Resilience division.

Howden launched the Climate Risk and Resilience business in 2021, aimed at enabling clients to de-risk the move to a low carbon economy and help mitigate the results of climate change. Services offered by the division include credit insurance to enable financing of renewable energy projects, parametric insurance solutions allowing humanitarian organizations to provide disaster relief, and insurance protection for purchasers of carbon credits.

In a statement announcing the appointment, Howden said that the move marks an important step in accelerating the firm’s climate and resilience capabilities, “and preludes further significant investment to create a platform for the future that meets the opportunity and scale of market demand over the coming decades.”

David Howden, Chief Executive Officer, Howden, said:

“Tackling climate change requires the most substantial reallocation of capital in history, and insurance has a huge role to play across the mitigation, adaptation and resilience agenda. Meeting the challenge will take a global effort and radical collaboration across all industries, and between both the private and public sectors.”

was launched in 2021 to address climate action and resilience. In his new role, Douglas is tasked with further developing the function that provides global support to the group, and integrating climate and resilience considerations into various specialties and regions.

Prior to joining Howden, Douglas led the Climate and Resilience Hub (CRH) at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), after serving on the board of Willis Re as CEO Analytics. He also served on the UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science & Technology. In his new role, Douglas will be responsible for continuing to build an expert, full spectrum function to support Howden and embed climate and resilience across its specialities and regions.

Douglas said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Howden at this remarkable time in its growth and with climate central to its future development. My decision was driven by the company’s recognition, from the very top, that insurance capabilities are essential to de-risk the climate transition and protect lives, assets and livelihoods.”