Rowan Douglas joins Howden as CEO, climate risk & resilience

Rowan Douglas has been appointed as CEO, climate risk and resilience at Howden. The broker said Douglas’ role is to continue to build an expert, full-spectrum function to support the group worldwide, embedding climate and resilience across its specialities and regions. In addition, Charlie Langdale will step up as chair, climate risk and resilience.

Howden said Douglas’ appointment “is an important step in accelerating the growth of Howden’s climate and resilience capabilities, and preludes further significant investment to create a platform for the future that meets the opportunity and scale of market demand over the coming decades”.

The broker added that it also reflects Howden’s commitment that the insurance sector plays a critical role in the world’s response to the climate emergency, including the transition to a low carbon economy and supporting exposed populations and industries.

David Howden, chief executive officer, Howden, said: “Tackling climate change requires the most substantial reallocation of capital in history, and insurance has a huge role to play across the mitigation, adaptation and resilience agenda. Meeting the challenge will take a global effort and radical collaboration across all industries, and between both the private and public sectors.”

He added: “To have someone of Rowan’s calibre join us demonstrates not only the credentials of our climate risk and resilience team but highlights our desire to use insurance as a force for good. Our goal is to embed climate and resilience expertise across the insurance value chain, for the benefit both of existing clients and those who do not have access to insurance.”

Douglas will be based in London and will report to David Howden. He was previously with WTW where he led the climate and resilience hub, which he grew to more than 130 climate risk professionals. He also drove the creation of the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), and now chairs its operating committee. Previously, he served on the board of Willis Re as CEO analytics, founding the Willis Research Network.

Douglas said: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden at this remarkable time in its growth and with climate central to its future development. My decision was driven by the company’s recognition, from the very top, that insurance capabilities are essential to de-risk the climate transition and protect lives, assets and livelihoods. I look forward to working with David, Charlie and the wider team, and have already been empowered and enthused by the can-do, collaborative and entrepreneurial culture here at Howden. Our focus will be on embedding the work of the climate risk and resilience division across all of Howden’s product lines and geographies, ensuring it supports our clients and partners.”