New FERMA president sets sights on advocacy and leadership expansion

The Federation of European Risk Management Associations’ (FERMA’s) new president Charlotte Hedemark has set out strategic priorities for the organisation with a focus on expanding its advocacy capabilities and promoting “a new vision for global risk management”.

Hedemark has been appointed as the new president of FERMA. She takes over from Dirk Wegener after his four-year term.

Her priorities for the federation for 2024-2025 include enhancing FERMA’s advocacy capabilities, strengthening its leadership position and elevating the value of risk management, and making the organisation more agile and dynamic.

“We want to expand our advocacy capabilities by developing partnerships with other EU professional or sectorial associations, and inside EU institutions. We want to tap into even more expertise and knowledge and increase the involvement of the national risk associations in our advocacy work,” she said in her first address to the FERMA members as president.

Commenting on bolstering the standing of the risk management profession, Hedemark said: “We want to cement FERMA’s position as a risk leader and emphasise the value that we bring. We will focus on strategic foresight and work with high-level experts from various fields to gain insight on emerging topics.” She also stated that the Federation would promote “a new vision for global risk management”, while supporting education and training to “elevate the standing of the profession and attract new talent”.

Hedemark added: “We will ensure that we remain relevant, and that FERMA is an agile, dynamic federation in this time of risk evolution and transition,” adding that it will look to “enhance our reputation as a knowledge resource for individual risk managers and national associations and increase our dialogue with you.”

Wegener, who concluded his four-year term as president, said: “FERMA has become much more impactful and effective in its advocacy work,” he told delegates. “I would like to thank our members for their active engagement in our committees and working groups. This strengthens our expertise and the value we provide, both of which are recognised by the European institutions.”

He added: “We have cooperated with the insurance industry on regulatory issues and crucially ways to support risk transfer and I am sure FERMA will continue to increase dialogue and take concrete action on key issues for the insurance and risk management communities. We believe we are stronger together – in the good times and the challenging times.”

“I leave my role as President with FERMA in a strong position – and I am passing the baton on to Charlotte, knowing that the future of FERMA is in extremely capable hands,” he concluded.

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