Zurich North America has announced the creation of three new positions to aid its construction and energy customers in achieving their sustainable goals.
“One of the most pressing issues facing our customers is climate change, and many are aiming toward carbon-neutral goals,” said Paul Lavelle, Zurich North America’s head of US national accounts. “These new roles demonstrate our commitment to continue developing products and services that assist our clients in reducing and adapting to climate-related risks.”
Alicia Pavelko has been named the company’s new head of construction innovation and sustainability. Kelly Kinzer, the chief of construction for US national accounts, will be Pavelko’s boss. Pavelko will oversee the expansion of Zurich’s sustainability-inspired construction products, including as weather parametric, mass lumber, and alternative energy solutions, in her new job. She will also be in charge of creating and deploying new construction products.
Pavelko formerly held executive positions in Willis Towers Watson’s and Marsh’s construction practises, as well as construction and marine underwriting positions at Hanover Insurance and Zurich North America.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alicia and our talented construction team back to Zurich,” Kinzer added. “Her knowledge, analytical mind, and curiosity will assist customers in identifying and acting on opportunities to improve sustainability in their construction materials and techniques, operations, and business plans.” This is an incredibly exciting period in the building industry.”
Molly Dorsett has returned to the firm as the head of US energy casualty renewables. She will report to Jeanne Jankowski, the head of US energy casualty for US national accounts. Dorsett will be in charge of creating Zurich’s renewable energy casualty practice’s strategic direction and identifying product gaps. Dorsett has over 17 years of underwriting and managerial expertise with Chubb, Zurich, and CNA.
“Transitioning in real time with our customers is a win-win,” Jankowski added, citing Zurich’s long-standing commitment to the energy industry. “We aim to support our customers as their business demands grow by providing holistic, flexible renewables solutions paired with the exceptional service we’re recognised for.”
Nicholas Haller has been appointed as the lead underwriter for renewable energy properties in the United States. Robert Edel, the underwriting manager for US energy property, will be his boss.
Haller’s new role will see him establish Zurich’s US renewable energy practice’s strategic direction and identify product gaps, with an emphasis on wind and solar. Haller was the senior vice president of Haller-Zaremba Insurance Agency before joining Zurich. He’s also worked at GCube Insurance Services, where he was in charge of underwriting.
The new jobs, according to Brandon Fick, Zurich North America’s chief underwriting officer and executive sponsor of sustainability, “reflect the company’s commitment to becoming a responsible and influential organisation.”
