The Geneva Association is announced two key leadership changes, effective 1 January 2025. Darren Pain, Director Cyber and Evolving Liability, has been appointed Director of Research, succeeding Kai-Uwe Schanz. Dennis Noordhoek, Director Public Policy & Regulation, will assume the new role of Director of External Stakeholder Engagement.

Darren Pain is an economist with extensive experience researching strategic issues facing the insurance industry. He joined the Geneva Association in January 2021 as Director Evolving Liability and in 2022 also assumed responsibility for the cyber research portfolio. Previously, Darren worked at the Swiss Re Institute, where he was the lead author of multiple sigma studies and publications covering topics in both life and non-life insurance. Prior to that, Darren worked at the Bank of England and the European Central Bank in various analyst and management roles. In his new role, Darren will oversee the organization’s portfolio of research while continuing to lead the organization’s cyber and liability work.

“I step into the role of Director of Research fully committed to advancing our current research priorities and program of activities. There are also exciting opportunities to elevate our research agenda with a sharper focus on risk foresight and the role of re/insurance in managing those future exposures. Anticipating emerging risks and their implications will be critical as we shape our 2026–27 agenda and continue to deliver expert thought leadership. I look forward to working closely with our research team and our member companies to maintain and strengthen the Geneva Association’s position as the insurance industry’s leading think tank,” said Darren Pain.

Dennis Noordhoek joined the Geneva Association in 2012 and has held different roles, including Research Manager for Financial Stability & Regulation. He was appointed Director of Public Policy & Regulation in April 2020. Dennis has authored several reports at the intersection of public policy, regulation and insurance, including a September 2023 report focused on the regulation of artificial intelligence in insurance. In his new position, Dennis will spearhead efforts to deepen relationships with key organizations and amplify the Geneva Association’s global outreach.

“I am honored to take on the newly established role of Director of External Stakeholder Engagement. This position offers a unique opportunity to deepen our relationships with policymakers, regulatory and supervisory authorities, insurance associations and multilateral institutions. By fostering robust dialogue, we aim to ensure that our research and recommendations reach the right stakeholders to achieve meaningful impact,” stated Dennis Noordhoek.

Commenting on the new appointments, Jad Ariss, Managing Director of the Geneva Association, said: "I want to thank Kai-Uwe Schanz for his valuable contributions these past five years in establishing a solid research framework and team and producing outstanding research himself. I wish him all the best in the next phase of his career. I warmly congratulate Darren Pain and Dennis Noordhoek on their well-deserved promotions, which position the Geneva Association to achieve even greater impact in the years ahead. Darren’s appointment as Director of Research reflects our commitment to high-quality research that serves the insurance industry and society, while Dennis’ transition to Director of External Stakeholder Engagement signals the ever-increasing importance of our relationships with key partners.”