Marsh has appointed Amy Barnes (pictured above) as global head of energy & power, effective immediately, as the industry ramps up support for the net zero transition.
In her new role, Barnes will oversee strategy and innovation for Marsh’s global network of energy and power advisors, risk engineers, and brokers. Barnes will also continue her responsibilities as head of climate and sustainability strategy at Marsh.
Barnes joined Marsh in 2001 as an environmental consultant and has since held several senior leadership positions internationally. She has advised clients on risk and insurance issues, with a focus on energy transition and sustainability. Before her current role, she served as energy & power Leader for the US and Canada, based in Houston.
Based in London, Barnes succeeds Andrew George, president of Marsh Specialty, to whom she will also report.
Additionally, Marsh has also announced that Andrew Herring will take on the role of global chair of energy & power, effective January 1, 2026. Herring, who joined Marsh in 2010, has led the UK energy & power team since 2012 and will continue to be based in London.
Barnes noted that as the energy and power sector moves towards greater sustainability, businesses are encountering increasingly complex regulatory, market, technology, and reputational risks.
Insurance premiums for renewable energy projects have seen notable increases. Over the past year, premiums have risen by 20% to 40%, driven by significant claims resulting from natural catastrophes exacerbated by changing weather patterns and climate change.
The insurance industry has been described as pivotal in facilitating the net-zero transition by providing risk management solutions essential for renewable energy projects. It is estimated that at least US$10 trillion in additional insurance coverage will be required for the energy, road transport, and building sectors by 2030 to support this transition.
“I look forward to working with our Energy & Power Practice’s deep bench of global talent to support clients in translating their climate transition risk mitigation efforts into business success,” Barnes said.
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