Ivo Menzinger appointed chair of the Insurance Development Forum’s Operating Committee 

The Insurance Development Forum (IDF) has appointed Ivo Menzinger, managing director of public sector business at Swiss Re, as the new chair of its operating committee (OpCo).  

Menzinger takes over from Rowan Douglas CBE, CEO of climate risk and resilience at Howden, who led the IDF since its launch at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015. Douglas has been instrumental in establishing the IDF as a key institution in resilience to climate and disaster risks over the last decade. 

Menzinger brings extensive experience in public-private partnerships (PPP), particularly in disaster risk management and insurance. He has previously served as deputy chair of the IDF OpCo and co-chair of the IDF Sovereign and Humanitarian Working Group. As the IDF enters its 10th year, Menzinger’s leadership will focus on scaling solutions for climate and disaster resilience, emphasising cross-sector collaboration to deliver meaningful change for vulnerable communities. 

Michel Liès, chair of the IDF Steering Committee, praised Douglas for his transformative leadership. “Rowan has been instrumental in transforming the IDF from a bold vision into a global force for resilience,” Liès said. “We thank him for his enormous contributions over the last decade and count on his engagement with the IDF in future. Ivo’s expertise will be key to catalysing additional momentum, uniting stakeholders, and scaling solutions to match the urgency of the moment.” 

Menzinger expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It is a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the IDF and the communities it serves. As we navigate an era of escalating climate and disaster risks, our focus must be on implementation underpinned by ambition. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated.” 

Douglas reflected on his time with the IDF, noting, “It has been a great pleasure to help turn the IDF vision into a thriving reality over the last decade and see the influence and impact of this unique public-private partnership. We have achieved countless breakthroughs – technical, organisational and financial – that many people thought to be impossible.” 

“I’m delighted to be handing over to Ivo with his unique skills and experience, someone who I’ve enjoyed working with in the IDF since 2014.” 

Image provided by Insurance Development Forum 

Josie Geistfeld Josie is an editor for Claims Media. She welcomes feedback, comments, and opinion at josie.geistfeld@barkerbrooks.co.uk