Climate risk insurtech Understory taps WTW leader to expand into new markets

Understory, a US-based provider of insurance solutions covering severe weather risks, has hired Willis Towers Watson's Neil Irwin to drive its expansion into new markets.

Irwin previously served as CEO of Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for Willis Towers Watson, where led a team of more than 2,300 in a diverse, high-growth region spanning 48 countries. He also spent 15 years at Marsh where he served as regional managing director for the Middle East and North Africa.

In his new role as chief strategy officer, Irwin will help drive Understory’s strategic planning efforts, including expansion into high-growth markets, development of industry partnerships and new delivery models.

“We had a very specific vision for this role. We needed a proven insurance industry leader with an outsider’s mentality, and a willingness to question convention,” said Alex Kubicek, co-founder and CEO of Understory. “Neil exceeded our vision with his track record and passion for making insurance meet the challenge of climate change. He’s the ideal industry leader to help us seize the opportunity ahead of us.”

Irwin commented: “Climate change is now firmly entrenched as the number one risk that business leaders are trying to manage, yet traditional insurance hasn’t adapted fast enough. Understory’s technology and global risk model make it uniquely positioned to rethink the status quo and protect these climate-vulnerable businesses. I’m thrilled to be a part of it, and to invite a dialogue with any industry partner who shares our mission.”

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