Canopius plucks WTW talent to boost cat capabilities

Global specialty re/insurer  Canopius Group has brought in a WTW leader to help improve its science-led understanding and approach to climate related risk and boost cat capabilities.

Geoffrey Saville has joined Canopius as head of catastrophe research. He will be based in London and report to Paul Wilkinson (pictured), head of risk strategy & analytics.

With a background in weather forecasting from more than a decade of experience working for the Met Office and Bermuda Weather Service, Saville brings expertise in both meteorology and climate science applications to Canopius.

He joins from WTW, where he held the role of head of weather and climate risks research, playing a key role in the development of the broker’s global research strategy and risk modelling tools, since joining in 2013. Prior to that, Saville held a number of positions within the Met Office, including specialist forecaster within the Flood Forecasting Centre, and as a business consultant working primarily with the insurance and capital markets sector.

Wilkinson said: “Geoff’s appointment is an important development as we look to enhance our existing research and cat capabilities. It is through the expertise and broad experience of people such as Geoff that Canopius will achieve its growth ambitions by delivering essential data to empower underwriting and enhance the solutions we provide to our clients.”

Saville said: “Our industry is faced with ever-increasing exposure to the complex threats associated with natural catastrophes. Only through the application of data, technology and scientific research can we begin to truly understand and navigate the interconnected and multifaced risk landscape to deliver nuanced solutions. With its science-led ethos, Canopius is a leader in this critical field and I am very happy to have joined the catastrophe management team.”

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