Roppestad confirmed as chair of International Group
- Only second Scandinavian ever to hold position
- Job likely to take one day a week on average
- Huge pool scheme deficit likely to top immediate agenda
Gard chief executive takes over from Britannia’s Cutler
GARD chief executive Rolf Thore Roppestad has been elected chair of the International Group of P&I clubs, following the influential trade association’s annual general meeting in London yesterday.
The development had been expected since it was announced last July that he had secured the nomination of all 12 affiliates for the position.
His succeeds his counterpart at Britannia, Andrew Cutler, who has held the post since 2022.
The IG, as it is known, organises the pool scheme mechanism by which P&I clubs share payouts that exceed $10m and also plays an influential lobbying role on behalf of the marine insurance sector.
The pool is thought to have clocked up a $700m deficit, which will almost certainly make it the top item on his immediate agenda.
Roppestad is only the second Scandinavian to hold the role since the organisation was founded in 1899. The first was his immediate predecessor at Gard, the late Claes Isacson.
He is already one of the most powerful people in the niche, given Gard’s standing as both the world’s largest P&I club by market share and the world’s largest hull and machinery insurer.
The job is more than honorary. Previous incumbents have said that the workload typically takes up a day a week on average.
“The IG system is close to my heart,” Roppestad said. “It plays a key part not only in facilitating global shipping, but also in helping to protect seafarers and the marine environment.”
In the current political climate, the IG’s role was more critical than ever, he added.
“The IG brings together mutual P&I insurers from different parts of the world to ensure that maritime casualties are handled responsibly and efficiently.
“It ensures that clean-up is properly managed, that people are supported and compensated, and that communities are protected. It is a system that has served society well and one we must continue to safeguard and promote.”
Roppestad graduated from the Norwegian School of Economics and the University of Bergen, and worked for KPMG prior to joining Gard in 1997.
He has been there ever since, rising to become co-head of underwriting before being appointed to the most senior position in 2014.
In his spare time, he is an accomplished saxophonist, citing Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s backing band and legendary Hi Records house musician Teenie Hodges as key influences.
