FERMA President outlines 'Together Stronger' vision

The dedication of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) to building a stronger, more collaborative European risk management community has never been stronger, according to Philippe Cotelle, President of FERMA, speaking at the Federation’s General Assembly in Brussels.

Cotelle told attendees: “Together Stronger is our commitment to building a more resilient European risk management community by strengthening connections between our national associations, fostering greater collaboration, and creating more opportunities for everyone to contribute.”

It is a commitment that is already taking shape. In recent months, FERMA has undertaken several initiatives engaging with national associations across Europe, including the launch of the inaugural Presidents’ Workshop and the setting up of the Next Generation European Risk Council.

Cotelle continued: “FERMA is increasingly becoming the community hub for European risk managers. Not simply coordinating activities, but connecting people, facilitating knowledge exchange and delivering tangible value for every association in our network.”

Through creating more effective communication flows and feedback loops, FERMA is aiming to address the specific needs of its member associations through much more concrete actions.

“Everything we develop from advocacy and knowledge sharing to practical tools, collaborative projects and networking opportunities, must be designed to strengthen your associations and help you deliver even greater value to your own members,” Cotelle told attendees.

He added: “Projects such as Open Sesame, which supports new approaches to financing climate adaptation, demonstrate that risk managers have an increasingly important role to play in addressing society’s biggest challenges.”

Cotelle concluded his speech by saying that while Together Stronger remains a “work in progress”, it is one which is progressing at speed. “Today, thanks to your commitment, your engagement, and your willingness to build this community together, we can confidently say that it is no longer purely an ambition,” he told delegates.

The General Assembly also announced the election of the following people to the FERMA Board: Sonia Cambier, head of corporate Insurance and prevention at Solvay; Sharon Cilia Tortell, chief risk and sustainability officer at Steadfast Insurance Partners; Gabriella Fraire, chief executive of Prysmian Riassicurazioni; Panu Haapaniemi, director of risk management at UPM; and Richard Hoult, vice president of risk, audit and compliance at Synthomer.

Commenting on the election, Cotelle said: “Our Board represents an outstanding combination of expertise, leadership, and experience across the risk management sector. Their collective insight and commitment enable us to shape the future of the profession, amplify the voices of our member associations, and champion the value of risk management across Europe and on the international stage.”

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