IDF appoints Swiss Re’s Menzinger as Chair of OpCo, succeeding Douglas

The Insurance Development Forum (IDF) has announced the appointment of Ivo Menzinger, Managing Director of Public Sector Business at Swiss Re, as Chair of its Operating Committee (OpCo).

Menzinger succeeds Rowan Douglas CBE, CEO of Climate Risk & Resilience at Howden, who led the creation of the IDF between 2012-2015, and served as OpCo Chair since the IDF’s launch at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

Michel Liès, Chair of the IDF Steering Committee, commented: “Rowan has been instrumental in transforming the IDF from a bold vision into a global force for resilience. His strategic leadership has enabled the IDF to operationalise initiatives that deliver real impact.

“We thank him for his enormous contributions over the last decade and count on his engagement with the IDF in future. As we look ahead and embark on the IDF’s next phase, Ivo’s expertise will be key to catalysing additional momentum, uniting stakeholders, and scaling solutions to match the urgency of the moment.”

Menzinger has extensive experience in public-private partnerships (PPPs), especially in disaster risk management and insurance.

His previous roles as Deputy Chair of the IDF OpCo and nearly a decade as Founder and Co-Chair of the IDF Sovereign and Humanitarian Working Group have given him a deep understanding of the IDF’s mission.

As the IDF marks its 10th anniversary, Menzinger will focus on accelerating the scaling of climate and disaster resilience solutions, and will prioritize cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful change for vulnerable communities and accelerate implementation.

Menzinger, said: “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.

“By strengthening partnerships and fostering innovation, we can scale practical solutions that protect lives and livelihoods. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. I look forward to driving momentum that turns collaboration into measurable impact, ensuring the IDF continues to provoke meaningful change in building a more resilient future.”

Douglas stated:“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. Most importantly we have transformed the wider recognition of insurance as an essential part of resilient development.

“ As we enter our second decade the IDF’s mission has never been more important. So, 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. I wish him every success in taking the IDF to the next level and look forward to supporting him and the IDF in its exciting future.”

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