London, 12 February 2025 – Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”), the developing markets focused (re)insurance group, announces the appointments of Sylvain Coutu as Head of Innovation and Sustainability.
Sylvain will lead ASR’s Parametric offering, responsible for underwriting, business development and management of the current portfolio. The new role will also involve product development and facilitating market expansion with the aim of broadening the suite of sustainable parametric products offered by ASR in growth markets.
Sylvain brings over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, joining from AXA Climate, where he held the role of Head of Agricultural Insurance, responsible for developing financial risk solutions in agriculture, forestry and other natural assets. Prior to this, Sylvain was at Swiss Re where he was a Senior Agriculture Underwriter, before being becoming Head of Innovation & Special Lines.
Earlier this month, ASR bolstered its Parametric division with the appointment of Fanny Dunner as Underwriter. Based in London and reporting to Sylvain, Fanny joined from Generali where she held a similar role.
ASR’s parametric portfolio continues to see significant interest throughout Africa, including from the December 2024 Mozambique cyclone where ASR was able to help numerous small-business owners in the agricultural sector.
Martin Boreman, Director of Underwriting said: “Sylvain’s appointment underscores ASR’s commitment to enabling sustainable development across Africa, the Middle East and other growth markets. His experience in building and deploying sustainable and technology-based insurance solutions will be instrumental in supporting our efforts to build resilience across our key markets.”
“I’m also pleased to welcome Fanny to ASR. She is a seasoned parametric underwriter and will continue to position us as the leading specialty underwriting firm in developing markets.”
Sylvain Coutu said: “I am very happy to be joining ASR at such an exciting stage in its journey. I look forward to working with the team to deploy solutions which will build more resilient and sustainable communities throughout Africa and the developing world.”
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Media Enquiries
Tavistock Communications Ltd
Katie Hopkins, Kuba Stawiski
asr@tavistock.co.uk
About ASR
Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) is enabling sustainable economic development by fulfilling unmet insurance needs. Our platform provides local underwriting expertise, an unparalleled distribution network and access to global capacity.
Founded in the heart of Africa and with offices across the continent and the Middle East, we provide regional market knowledge, data insights, and technical proficiency for capital partners who are looking to increase their presence in growth markets.
We also participate on each and every risk we underwrite with balance sheets in Bermuda, Mauritius and through Syndicate 2454 at Lloyd’s. ASR is committed to accelerating business growth by providing customised service and innovative insurance products to enable development.