Willis Re has appointed Sophie Wentges (pictured above) to its catastrophe analytics team, adding a specialist in marine and specialty lines to support its London and Bermuda broking operations as the industry grapples with an intensifying talent shortage and elevated catastrophe losses.
Wentges, who will be based in London, has 12 years of experience in specialty catastrophe modeling across both broking and insurance. She began her career at Hiscox in London Market property and specialty insurance catastrophe analytics, working closely with underwriters on view of risk and pricing.
In 2018, she moved into broking with Gallagher Re, joining the firm's marine and specialty analytics team. Over the past eight years, she has worked across multiple lines of business, focusing on client exposure management, bespoke analytical solutions, and support throughout the renewal cycle.
She has also collaborated with global research groups on climate risk and developed expertise in onshore energy as well as political violence and terror.
The appointment comes amid growing demand for catastrophe modeling expertise. According to Deloitte's 2026 global insurance outlook, weather-related losses continue to affect both personal and commercial lines, with floods, wildfires, and hurricanes increasing in frequency and severity.
The talent pipeline, however, is under strain. US Bureau of Labor Statistics data suggests insurers could lose 400,000 workers through attrition by 2026, while demand for specialists in analytics, actuarial science, and risk modeling continues to rise.
At Willis Re, Wentges will focus on catastrophe analytics for both natural and man-made perils, supporting clients and brokers with exposure management and portfolio development during renewals.
Her dual-market remit reflects the symbiotic relationship between the two reinsurance hubs. According to John Huff, president and CEO of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, "the symbiotic relationship between Lloyd's and the Bermuda market has never been more important to tackle the risk challenges of economies around the world."
Bermuda remains the largest supplier of catastrophe reinsurance to US insurers, while London provides global market access.
Cameron Rye, director of natural catastrophe analytics at Willis Re, said Wentges' "deep expertise across catastrophe modeling including both natural and man-made perils will significantly strengthen our capabilities at Willis Re to support clients with their reinsurance strategies."
Rye has recently emphasized the importance of robust catastrophe analytics amid shifting risk conditions, cautioning that the industry may be benefiting from "good fortune rather than robust risk management."
Despite lower insured losses in 2025 compared to recent years, Rye warned that physical risks continue to increase as global temperatures rise. He noted that "good luck is no substitute for sound strategy," underscoring the need for disciplined exposure management as catastrophe patterns evolve.
