Zurich North America has announced the creation of three new roles to support its construction and energy customers in their sustainability objectives.
“Climate change is one of the most urgent risks confronting our customers, and many are working toward carbon-neutral goals,” said Paul Lavelle, head of US national accounts at Zurich North America. “These new roles underscore our commitment to further develop products and services that help our customers both mitigate and adapt to climate-related risks.”
The company has appointed Alicia Pavelko as head of construction innovation and sustainability. Pavelko will report to Kelly Kinzer, head of construction for US national accounts. In her new role, Pavelko will manage the growth of Zurich’s sustainability-inspired construction products, including weather parametric, mass timber and alternative energy products. She will also be responsible for developing and deploying new products for construction.
Prior to her new role, Pavelko held leadership positions in the construction practice at Willis Towers Watson and Marsh, as well as construction and marine underwriting positions at Hanover Insurance and Zurich North America.
“We’re excited to welcome Alicia back to Zurich and our strong construction team,” Kinzer said. “Her experience, analytical mind and curiosity will help customers explore and act on opportunities to elevate sustainability in their building materials and techniques, their operations and their business plans. This is a time of tremendous opportunity in construction.”
Molly Dorsett has rejoined the company as head of US energy casualty renewables, reporting to Jeanne Jankowski, head of US energy casualty for US national accounts. Dorsett will be responsible for developing the strategic direction and identification of product needs for Zurich’s renewable energy casualty practice. Dorsett has more than 17 years of experience in underwriting and management roles at Chubb, Zurich and CNA.
“With Zurich’s long-tenured commitment to the energy industry, transitioning in real time with our customers is a win-win,” Jankowski said. “We want to provide holistic, flexible solutions in renewables, combined with the excellent service we’re known for, to support our customers as their business needs evolve.”
Nicholas Haller has been named lead underwriter of US renewable energy property. He will report to Robert Edel, underwriting manager for US energy property.
In his new role, Haller will develop the strategic direction and identify product needs for Zurich’s US renewable energy practice, with a focus on wind and solar. Before joining Zurich, Haller served as senior vice president of Haller-Zaremba Insurance Agency. He has also held key underwriting roles at GCube Insurance Services.
Brandon Fick, chief underwriting officer for Zurich North America and executive sponsor of sustainability, said the new roles highlight the company's commitment to being a responsible and impactful business.
“That extends beyond reducing our own carbon footprint in our operations and offerings,” he said. “We want to make it more seamless for our customers to integrate sustainability into their operations and offerings. We want to do our part to encourage growth in sustainable options for consumers as well. This is a journey for all of us, and we’ll go further and faster together.”
Pavelko, Dorsett and Haller will work closely with Zurich’s newly formed Office of Sustainability Underwriting, part of technical underwriting, led by Mark Way.
