In his new role, Coutu will oversee parametric underwriting, business development, and portfolio management, while driving product innovation and market expansion. His appointment is part of ASR’s broader strategy to enhance sustainable parametric offerings tailored to growth markets.
Coutu joins ASR with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, most recently serving as Head of Agricultural Insurance at AXA Climate, where he developed financial risk solutions for agriculture, forestry, and natural assets. He previously held key roles at Swiss Re, including Senior Agriculture Underwriter and Head of Innovation & Special Lines.
The appointment follows ASR’s recent expansion of its parametric division, with Fanny Dunner joining as Underwriter earlier this month. Based in London, Dunner reports directly to Coutu and previously worked at Generali in a similar role.
ASR’s parametric solutions continue to gain traction across Africa, particularly following the December 2024 Mozambique cyclone, where the company provided critical financial support to small-business owners in the agricultural sector. Coutu’s leadership is expected to further strengthen ASR’s position in the evolving parametric insurance landscape.
Martin Boreman, Director of Underwriting said: “Sylvain’s appointment underscores ASR’s commitment to enabling sustainable development across Africa, the Middle East and other growth markets. His experience in building and deploying sustainable and technology-based insurance solutions will be instrumental in supporting our efforts to build resilience across our key markets.”
“I’m also pleased to welcome Fanny to ASR. She is a seasoned parametric underwriter and will continue to position us as the leading specialty underwriting firm in developing markets.”
Sylvain Coutu added: “I am very happy to be joining ASR at such an exciting stage in its journey. I look forward to working with the team to deploy solutions which will build more resilient and sustainable communities throughout Africa and the developing world.”
