PRESS RELEASE: Reinsurance chief takes charge of industry drive to combat climate change

Mr John R. Coomber, member of the Board of Directors of global reinsurer Swiss Re, will become the new Chairman of ClimateWise, the global insurance industry’s leadership group to reduce the risks of climate change, on October 1st. Mr Coomber succeeds Andrew Torrance, CEO of Allianz Insurance, who has completed his three-year term as Chairman.

As Group Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re from 2003 to 2005, Mr Coomber consistently identified climate change as one of the most significant strategic issues facing the insurance industry globally. Today, Swiss Re is a leading force in addressing, researching, and developing solutions to mitigate and adapt to the risks of climate change which are impacting countries, businesses and people around the world.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Coomber said, “Recent events have shown how vulnerable the world’s inter-dependent economies are to risks that at first appear to only affect one part of the system. Climate change, too, cuts across all walks of life, affecting people and property, global food production and the smooth-running of supply chains. Reducing these risks to an acceptable level is therefore in all of our interests and we cannot do that without strong partnerships between businesses, governments and wider society. This is why I am so excited about ClimateWise, which, under Andrew Torrance’s guidance, has grown to become the insurance industry’s leadership group for collaborative learning and action on climate change”

Andrew Torrance said “I have very much enjoyed chairing ClimateWise over the past three years, during which insurance leaders from four different continents have joined our ranks to build a range of action-orientated partnerships to fight climate risk.  I have no doubt that this vital initiative will go from strength to strength under John’s leadership.”

ClimateWise is facilitated by the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL). Commenting on Mr Coomber’s appointment, Polly Courtice LVO, Director of CPSL, said, “CPSL has been helping business leaders forge solutions to the world’s sustainability challenges for over 20 years and it is clear that the insurance industry can play a truly catalytic role. John’s personal leadership on climate change over the years has been formidable and I can think of nobody better qualified to take charge of the industry’s response through the activities of ClimateWise.” 

Download the full Press Release here