’[I] look forward to building on what Perils has achieved to date,’ says new appointee

Catastrophe insurance data provider Perils has confirmed Christoph Oehy as its incoming chief executive, a statement released today (31 May 2023) revealed.

Based in Zurich, Oehy will be responsible for leading Perils’ teams across Europe, Asia-Pacific and Canada, with the aim of improving the availability of insurance market data relating to natural catastrophes.

He will also look to expand the organisation’s geographic footprint and range of product offerings - in September 2022, Perils expanded its market coverage to include exposure and event loss data in the UK.

Oehy’s role will come into effect on 1 November 2023.

He said: “I am very excited and honoured to be taking on this role and, together with an exceptional team, look forward to building on what Perils has achieved to date.

“I have experienced first-hand the many challenges the insurance industry faces in natural catastrophe insurance and recognise the criticality of comprehensive, accurate exposure and loss data in understanding the impact of natural disasters, particularly as the severity and frequency of such events increases.

“Perils plays a vital data role and I’m eager to work with our data providers and clients as we look to explore new market opportunities.”

Succession

Oehy brings over 20 years of international property and casualty underwriting experience to the role.

He will join from Swiss Re, where he started as a flood risk specialist before moving his way up the ranks to his most recent position as head of facultative property.

His move to Perils will see him replace current chief exeuctive Luzi Hitz, who decided to step down to the role of senior adviser after leading the business since April 2009.

Hitz said he was “delighted to announce” Oehy as Perils’ new top boss.

“His extensive expertise and experience make him the ideal person to ensure that Perils continues to expand its data potential,” he said.

Speaking about his departure, Hitz said he felt ”privileged to have led Perils for the last 14 years”.

”I was convinced from day one that the Perils value proposition of increasing the availability of catastrophe insurance data made sense and our success over the last 14 years has proved that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Perils chairwoman Sibylle Steimen expressed the board’s confidence in Oehy and said that he is “clearly a highly qualified and capable successor to our founding chief executive”.

”The Perils board is fully confident that the handover of responsibility will be a very smooth process, ensuring we maintain our excellent relationships with our data providers and clients,” she added.

”We all look forward to the years ahead and are convinced that under Christoph’s leadership the Perils team can elevate their products and services to the next level.

”I would also like to thank Luzi on behalf of the entire board for his stewardship and dedication, which has made Perils what it is today.”