"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 U.S. National Accounts for 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."
Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability
Alicia Pavelko has returned to Zurich as Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability, reporting to Kelly Kinzer, Head of Construction for U.S. National Accounts. Pavelko will manage the growth of Zurich's innovative, sustainability-inspired Construction solutions including Weather Parametric, Mass Timber and Alternative Energy products. She also will be responsible for developing and deploying new product solutions for Construction.
Previously, Pavelko held leadership positions in the Construction practice at Willis Towers Watson and Marsh, as well as Construction and Marine underwriting positions of increasing responsibility at Hanover Insurance and Zurich North America. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
"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."
Head of U.S. Energy Casualty Renewables
Molly Dorsett has rejoined Zurich as Head of U.S. Energy Casualty Renewables. Reporting to Jeanne Jankowski, Head of U.S. Energy Casualty for U.S. National Accounts, Dorsett will be responsible for developing the strategic direction and identification of product needs for Zurich's growing Renewable Energy Casualty practice, supporting growth in wind, solar and other types of renewable energy.
Dorsett brings more than 17 years of experience in underwriting and management roles at Chubb, Zurich and CNA. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University in both Real Estate and Financial Service and Planning. She also holds certifications including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS).
"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."
Lead Underwriter of U.S. Renewable Energy Property
Zurich also has created a position of Lead Underwriter of U.S. Renewable Energy Property, who will develop the strategic direction and identify product needs for Zurich's growing U.S. Renewable Energy Property practice, with a focus on wind and solar, and liaise with Zurich colleagues globally on renewables. Nicholas Haller, previously Senior Vice President at Haller-Zaremba Insurance Agency, started this week in the role, reporting to Robert Edel, Underwriting Manager for U.S. Energy Property. Haller previously held key underwriting roles at GCube Insurance Services.
Brandon Fick, Chief Underwriting Officer for Zurich North America and Executive Sponsor of Sustainability at Zurich North America, said the new roles are another indication of how Zurich is leaning into its commitment to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses on the planet.
"That extends beyond reducing our own carbon footprint in our operations and offerings," Fick 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 farther and faster together."
Pavelko, Dorsett and Haller will work closely with the newly formed Office of Sustainability Underwriting, part of Technical Underwriting at Zurich North America, led by Mark Way.