RenRe advances ESG strategy as CEO O’Donnell accepts new role

Kevin O’Donnell, president and CEO of RenaissanceRe, has accepted the role of chair of ClimateWise which, in partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, brings together reinsurers, insurers, brokers and industry service providers to promote a systematic response to climate change across the financial system.

In addition, the company has announced new roles focused on ESG: Harriet James has been promoted to VP, ESG strategy within the corporate strategy team; Cathal Carr, SVP, underwriting, has been named global head of climate and sustainability strategy; Jeffrey Manson, SVP, underwriting and head of global public sector partnerships, who will report to Carr.

O’Donnell said: “As a reinsurer, we believe that we play an important role in managing climate risk while helping facilitate the transition to a lower carbon economy. I am honoured to chair ClimateWise and look forward to working with leaders across our industry and the University of Cambridge to strengthen our collective response to this important issue.”

He added: “I am pleased with the progress we have made furthering our ESG strategy. This is an area of focus for all of our stakeholders, including many of our employees, and I look forward to the passion and contributions that Harriet, Cathal and Jeff will bring to this critical part of our business. I am confident that they will continue to progress RenaissanceRe’s role as a positive force for change.”