Descartes expands its presence in the US with new offices and holds key meetings around the world

Global corporate insurer Descartes Underwriting has expanded its presence in the U.S. with new offices in Scottsdale and Richmond, and made a number of key appointments to support the firm’s growth around the world.

“Descartes Underwriting, now with more than 200 employees worldwide, is opening new offices in Scottsdale, Arizona and Richmond, Virginia, which will expand the company’s physical presence in Los Angeles and New York, as well as in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chicago, Illinois, Denver, Colorado and Little Rock, Alaska,” the company said.

With the new offices, Descartes now has 16 offices worldwide, including in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Among the key personnel changes at the company is Tanguy Touffut, co-founder and CEO of Descartes Underwriting, who will now be responsible for the overall management of key functions (operations, finance, strategy, human resources, and marketing and communications) and will focus on future growth drivers.

Sébastien Piguet, co-founder and former insurance executive, has been appointed chief insurance officer at Descartes Underwriting.

“From now on, Sébastien will oversee the business development and underwriting teams, whose close collaboration will accelerate profitable portfolio growth with our invaluable brokerage partners. He will leave his position as CEO of Descartes Insurance, the Group’s insurance arm, subject to confirmation of the ACPR,” Descartes said.

Concurrently, Kevin Dedieu, co-founder and former chief research and development officer, has been appointed chief scientific officer of Descartes Underwriting.

All technology functions will reportedly be unified under his leadership to accelerate the implementation of additional AI capabilities in areas such as climate analysis and risk assessment. Additionally, he will become CEO of Descartes Insurance, subject to confirmation by the ACPR.

Meanwhile, Violaine Raybaud will remain Chief Operating Officer of Descartes Underwriting and become Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Descartes Insurance, subject to confirmation by the ACPR, while Daniel Vetter, currently Head of North America, has been promoted to Head of the Americas to additionally oversee operations in Latin America.

Descartes also revealed that members of the restructured leadership team will be supported by several new, experienced department heads.

Marie Chabal Filleteau has been named Chief Human Resources Officer, effective August 26, 2024. She reportedly has over 15 years of experience in talent development and corporate culture, including four years at Doctolib and over 10 years at BCG.

Meanwhile, Eric Allombert has been appointed interim Chief Marketing & Communication Officer. Allombert has over 25 years of marketing experience, including four as Marketing and Sales Director at AXA Partners and five years at Wakam.

Matthew James has also been appointed UK and Ireland Commercial Director. Descartes explained that James is a specialist in complex and emerging insurance products. He brings over 12 years of experience in parametric risk transfer, including 10 years at WTW.

Finally, Louis Bollaert, previously Chief Revenue Officer, will leave the company to take up a management position in the insurance brokerage sector.

The aforementioned Tanguy Touffut, Co-Founder and CEO of Descartes, commented: “Strengthening our presence in the United States is essential for the development of our Group and consolidating our position as a global leader in parametric insurance.

“This will enable us to more effectively respond to the local needs of our broker partners as they face an increasing frequency of climate and emerging risks.”