Cotelle takes the reins at FERMA

Philippe Cotelle has officially taken on the role of President of FERMA at a handover ceremony which took place at the FERMA Seminar 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Speaking after the ceremony, which was attended by over 250 European risk managers, Cotelle highlighted some of the priorities for his tenure as President that will help to ensure FERMA and its members play a key role in maintaining a resilient, competitive and sustainable Europe.

“FERMA represents 23 different risk associations across 22 different countries, each of different size, scale and maturity,” he said. “The challenge is how do we ensure that the Federation is relevant and provides clear added value to every one of those associations? The answer is clear. What FERMA provides is the capacity to bring them together, and by doing so making them stronger. So, my message is simple – Together Stronger.”

“What that means in practice is creating a closer community, increasing connectivity between the associations and enhancing coordination on critical topics that are relevant to our profession and our members. FERMA must speak for all of them expressing the conviction and position of the risk community.”

In one of his first acts as President, Cotelle launched the inaugural Presidents’ Workshop, a two-day event which will address key aspects of the Federation’s role. Central to this will be exploring both what each association can being to FERMA and what it in turn can deliver to each of its members. The event, he added, will help to generate a “renewed vision of our European risk management community”.

“We have in front of us challenges that go far beyond the national boundaries of any one association such as systemic cyber risk and natural catastrophes,” he said. “FERMA possesses the legitimacy to bring together different stakeholders – insureds, brokers, insurers and reinsurers – to develop and deliver on the ambitious and impactful projects needed to address these challenges. The Federation can gather market-leading expertise, helping to establish the vision and providing the means to communicate that vision not just across Europe, but globally. Together Stronger – that is the key.”

The event also marked the end of Charlotte Hedemark’s time as President of FERMA. During her tenure, she said, the Federation has achieved much, and created, “a stronger foundation from which to push forward.”

“I am particularly proud of how FERMA has firmly secured its seat at the tables of European Institutions,” she noted. “We have strengthened our voice in the corridors of Brussels – a voice that is not only heard, but more importantly listened to.”

Highlighting other areas where the Federation has delivered on its strategic priorities, Hedemark said: “We have worked to amplify our leadership role and the value our Federation provides. Building stronger global partnerships has been a key part of this. From extending our Risk Manager survey worldwide to developing strategic collaborations with various stakeholders and fostering young talent, FERMA has demonstrated commitment to growing and adapting in response to a fast-evolving risk landscape.”

Considering her own personal experience as President, she concluded: “Serving as President has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, particularly in seeing the meaningful impact FERMA continues to have on both the risk management profession and the broader business community.”

“Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with remarkable individuals – passionate, insightful, and dedicated people,” she added. “Being part of such a diverse and talented network of professionals has been a constant source of inspiration.”

Bringing the FERMA Seminar to a close Cotelle also announced details of the FERMA Forum 2026. In his closing remarks, he invited attendees to join FERMA in Rotterdam from 4 to 6 October 2026, where the theme will be ‘Widening the Lens: From Risk Insight to Strategic Foresight’.

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