Canopius appoints Adhiraj Maitra to new ESG role

Global special re/insurer Canopius Group has named Adhiraj Maitra as its group head of sustainability, effective immediately.

In his new role, Maitra will be responsible for overseeing the group’s ESG position around the world.

This will involve developing a cohesive ESG strategy to meet regulatory requirements, including a forward-looking responsible underwriting policy, a sustainable investment approach, and a strategy to further develop a positive and inclusive culture. He will report to Lindsay Astor, chief of staff and head of strategic development.

He joins Canopius from WTW where he was the global head of ESG and climate change, for the insurance consulting business. Prior to which, Maitra spent 6 years at Lloyd’s of London as Senior Manager, heading up the Syndicate Capital team and before that he was an Actuarial Non-Life Advisor at KPMG. He also has prior experience in capital modelling and pricing.

Astor said: “Adhiraj’s experience in helping insurance companies create ESG propositions and drive strategic and innovative solutions to ensure a successful climate transition will provide immense value to Canopius as we build out a robust and effective ESG strategy.

“His deep understanding of analytics, underwriting and the regulatory environment makes him the perfect candidate to take on this newly created role. We are thrilled he is joining us to drive our business forward in this next critical phase of growth.”

Maitra is not the only hire done recently by Canopius Group, with the firm announcing last month that it had appointed Megan Shao to be its new head of claims for the Asia-Pacific region, following its naming of Geoffrey Saville to be its head of catastrophe research in August.

Maitra said that the industry was at a critical juncture when it came to ESG considerations.

He added: “Innovation and collaboration across organisations and looking beyond a one-year horizon are some of the key factors that lead to commercial success and improved resilience. Canopius has demonstrated great leadership in this in recent years and its new leadership is demonstrating the insight, drive, and ambition to take the business to the next exciting stage. I am delighted to be joining the Canopius family and to be part of this change over the next decade.”

Source: Reinsurance News, https://www.reinsurancene.ws/canopius-appoints-adhiraj-maitra-to-new-esg-role/