Nihoul brings almost three decades of risk and insurance market expertise to the role
Brussels, 13 October 2025 – FERMA has announced the appointment of Laurent Nihoul as CEO, who will take up the position on 1 December 2025.
Nihoul is a FERMA Board member and previously served as Chair of the Captives Committee. His appointment marks the first time a senior figure from the insurance and risk management sector has taken on this role, reinforcing FERMA’s commitment to strategic leadership rooted in industry experience.
Bringing almost 30 years of industry experience to the position, Nihoul was most recently General Manager and Group Head of Insurance at ArcelorMittal, having joined the company in 2014. His extensive risk and insurance career also includes senior positions in reinsurance, ERM, risk finance and underwriting.
As CEO, Nihoul will be responsible for enhancing FERMA’s advocacy capacity, facilitating increased engagement with its member association, and raising the profile of the risk management profession at the European and global levels.
Nihoul said: “It is an honour to be appointed CEO of FERMA at such a pivotal moment. Over the past decade, FERMA has achieved significant progress, and my goal is to build on that with renewed ambition and clarity. We will raise our sights and look to unleash the full potential of FERMA. Collaboration will be key. We will focus on establishing a more coordinated, inclusive approach that brings our member associations closer together around a shared vision. FERMA will continue to lead with confidence, driving innovation and excellence across the risk and insurance landscape to elevate the risk profession.”
Charlotte Hedemark, President of FERMA, said: “Laurent’s appointment demonstrates FERMA’s commitment to ensuring it is led by experience. With an extensive career in the insurance and risk sector, his market insight, leadership acumen, and deep understanding of the needs of the risk management community will be integral to maintaining the ongoing evolution of FERMA as we continue to advance our mission to represent the interests of European risk managers at all levels.”
Philippe Cotelle, incoming FERMA President, added: “As incoming President, I’m excited to begin this new chapter alongside Laurent, whose appointment as CEO marks an important step in the advancement of FERMA. By fostering strong alignment between our strategic direction and executive focus, we will concentrate on uniting and energising the risk management community, expanding our reach, and ensuring FERMA remains a driving force for cooperation, innovation, and influence across Europe and internationally.”