Leadership shift at Sompo targets stronger global reinsurance ties and efficiency
Japanese insurance group Sompo Holdings has revealed a new chief risk officer and head of reinsurance Japan, in a move aimed at strengthening its reinsurance strategy, forging stronger ties between P&C operations and embracing a unified global approach with brokers and partners.
Koji Takahashi (pictured) will assume the role of chief risk officer and head of reinsurance for Sompo Japan, a core subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, effective April 1. Takahashi will take over from Emiko Maki, who will step down from the positions after her retirement.
Takahashi is currently chief risk officer for Sompo, Asia Pacific. He has been with the company for 33 years and has extensive experience in risk management and re/insurance.
Takahashi will report to Koji Ishikawa, president of Sompo Japan. In his role leading reinsurance, Takahashi has a dual reporting line to Christopher Donelan, CEO, SompoRe, the global reinsurance operations of Sompo, the overseas insurance and reinsurance business of Sompo Holdings.
Designated Sompo Group CEO, Mikio Okumura said: “By creating a stronger link between our two P&C operations with respect to the purchase of reinsurance, we will ensure a globally consistent and coordinated approach to our broker and reinsurance partners, always working to deliver a frictionless experience. I wish Takahashi-san and Chris Donelan every success as they embark on their new and expanded responsibilities and am confident in their ability to excel in their respective roles. I thank Maki-san for her contributions to Sompo Japan over the years and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
James Shea, Sompo’s CEO, added: “I am pleased to see us moving closer to acting as a global P&C organisation. Having our Ceded Reinsurance team and Takahashi-san working more closely together under the leadership of Chris Donelan will ensure a more efficient go-to-market approach to our placements, continuing unique and distinct local and regional coverages where needed, but global approach when possible.”
Ishikawa commented: “Aligning our reinsurance purchasing is a logical first step to working more closely with our colleagues in SompoRe. I look forward to Chris Donelan becoming more involved with our reinsurance programmes.”
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