Marsh McLennan has appointed Mike Mathews as its first global digital infrastructure leader, a newly created role within the company that reflects the rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector and the complex risk, capital and advisory needs of companies operating in it.
Mathews joined the company in 2020 as a managing director focused on digital infrastructure clients and will now lead cross-firm efforts to align risk placement, insurance solutions and advisory services for this high-growth sector. Based in Boston, he brings more than 25 years of experience advising companies and investors in digital infrastructure sectors, including data centers, wireless networks and digital mining, among others.
John Doyle, president and CEO of Marsh McLennan, highlighted Mathews' expertise in leading interdisciplinary teams and providing global insights to help clients navigate the complex, interconnected risks of digital infrastructure development. Meanwhile, Mathews noted the sector's most pressing risks, including operational disruptions, construction exposure and capital challenges.
Rapid expansion in the US
Digital infrastructure is expanding rapidly in the US, not just in the insurance sector. According to reports, the US leads global investment in data centers and network build-outs, driven by rising demand for cloud computing, AI workloads and hybrid cloud services.
North America accounts for over 40% of the global digital infrastructure market, with the US contributing the majority. The broader market is projected to grow substantially through the decade, with annual US digital infrastructure revenue reaching roughly $140 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual rate exceeding 26%.
Opportunity and challenges
The rapid growth of digital infrastructure presents both opportunities and challenges for insurers and reinsurers. Expanding data centers, communication networks, and advanced computing facilities increase demand for tailored coverage across property, liability, cyber, and business interruption lines.
At the same time, concentration of high-value assets amplifies aggregation risk, requiring sophisticated modeling and capital strategies. Brokers and risk advisors like Marsh McLennan play a critical role in structuring insurance solutions that protect capital while supporting continued investment in the digital economy.
Recent examples include coverage for hyperscale AI data centers in Texas, multi-state renewable energy microgrid projects, and private equity-backed communication infrastructure portfolios. These projects highlight the need for specialized underwriting, risk advisory, and innovative insurance solutions to support complex, high-value exposures in the US digital infrastructure market.
