Descartes hires Allianz's Berruguete to lead EMEA distribution and client management

By Henry Gale

Feb 6 - (The Insurer) - Parametric risk transfer specialist Descartes has appointed Blanca Berruguete as head of EMEA distribution and client management, based in Madrid.

Berruguete was most recently Allianz Commercial's global industry solutions director for construction. She has 25 years of experience in commercial insurance also spanning Zurich, AIG, Gallagher and Lloyd's, among others.

She is also a member of the executive committee of the International Engineering Insurance Association.

In her new role, Berruguete is responsible for Descartes' business development and client services in EMEA and leads its European commercial team, reporting to co-founder and chief insurance officer Sébastien Piguet.

Other recent Descartes hires have included engineering and credit risk specialists Cyril Blin and Benjamin Lambert as the company explores new classes of business.

Meanwhile, the high demand for parametric solutions for natural catastrophe risks such as hurricane and earthquake has led the firm to partner with Generali Global Corporate & Commercial, Twelve Capital and Lumyna Investments in launching a parametric-focused ILS fund.

Piguet said: “We are fortunate to attract a business development leader such as Blanca. Her strong commitment to providing value to clients while building long-term relationships aligns perfectly with Descartes’ mission of offering, in partnership with carriers and brokers, the best coverage for each and every client.”

Berruguete added: “I have worked with many of Europe’s leading commercial insurers to support clients with large, challenging risk transfer requirements, but Descartes’ tech-based approach gives me much greater flexibility. Through Descartes I will be able to provide much more bespoke coverage that better matches the specific needs of each of our brokers and their clients.”