FERMA has named Laurent Nihoul (pictured above) as its next chief executive officer, with his tenure set to begin on December 1.
Nihoul, who currently serves as a FERMA board member and has chaired the Captives Committee, becomes the first senior figure from the insurance and risk management sector to assume this leadership role.
Nihoul brings nearly three decades of experience to the position. He was most recently general manager and group head of insurance at ArcelorMittal, a role he has held since 2014. His background includes senior roles in reinsurance, enterprise risk management, risk finance, and underwriting.
As CEO, Nihoul is tasked with strengthening FERMA’s advocacy efforts, increasing engagement with member associations, and promoting the risk management profession at both European and global levels.
“It is an honour to be appointed CEO of FERMA at such a pivotal moment,” Nihoul said. “Over the past decade, FERMA has achieved significant progress, and my goal is to build on that with renewed ambition and clarity. We will raise our sights and look to unleash the full potential of FERMA.”
“Collaboration will be key. We will focus on establishing a more coordinated, inclusive approach that brings our member associations closer together around a shared vision. FERMA will continue to lead with confidence, driving innovation and excellence across the risk and insurance landscape to elevate the risk profession,” he said.
Incoming president Philippe Cotelle also welcomed the appointment, saying: “By fostering strong alignment between our strategic direction and executive focus, we will concentrate on uniting and energising the risk management community, expanding our reach, and ensuring FERMA remains a driving force for cooperation, innovation, and influence across Europe and internationally.”
Elsewhere, FERMA’s Foresight Committee recently called for a shift towards long-term risk strategies, urging organisations to move beyond short-term crisis management and to adopt more sustainable approaches.
The committee’s latest report highlights the need for risk management to be embedded within overall business strategy, emphasising that risk professionals should be engaged in strategic decision-making at the highest levels. This approach is seen as essential for building resilience and ensuring that organisations are prepared for evolving threats.
The Foresight Committee’s findings also point to the importance of greater collaboration between risk managers, insurers, and public authorities to address systemic risks, including climate change and cyber threats. By fostering closer cooperation across these groups, FERMA aims to support a more robust and coordinated response to the complex risk landscape facing European organisations.
FERMA president Charlotte Hedemark commented that Nihoul’s appointment reflects the organisation’s focus on experienced leadership.
“With an extensive career in the insurance and risk sector, his market insight, leadership acumen, and deep understanding of the needs of the risk management community will be integral to maintaining the ongoing evolution of FERMA as we continue to advance our mission to represent the interests of European risk managers at all levels,” Hedemark said.
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