Sean Ringsted has been named chief scientist and executive vice-president, Chubb Group, effective immediately.

In this newly created role, Mr Ringsted will focus on and have responsibility for the company's artificial intelligence, data and analytics strategy and initiatives worldwide.

The re/insurer has also announced leadership appointments in its digital business organisation.

Johan Oosthuizen has been named global head of digital business and Gabriel Lazaro has been named global head of digital growth and strategic consumer partnerships.

Mr Ringsted is an experienced executive with Chubb and its predecessor, Ace Group. His experience spans risk, digital transformation, analytics and actuarial leadership.

He most recently served as executive vice-president, Chubb Group and chief digital business officer and has led the company's AI efforts globally.

Mr Ringsted had been “central in directing how Chubb uses data and analytics to drive decision-making across the company”, the company said in a statement.

Evan Greenberg, Chubb’s chairman and chief executive officer, said: “This appointment amplifies how important our initiatives around AI and data are to our fundamental strategy.

“It also reflects Sean's longstanding role as a most trusted partner and colleague to me and the senior team. His deep knowledge, experience and expertise uniquely position him for the role of chief scientist.”

Ringsted previously served as Chubb's Chief Risk Officer from 2008 until 2023 and additionally, was named Chief Digital Officer in 2017. Earlier in his career, he held roles including chief actuary, chief risk officer for Ace Tempest Re.

Mr Ringsted holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Bristol University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in biochemistry from Oxford University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (FIA).

Mr Oosthuizen, in his new role, will have executive responsibility for all aspects of the digital business globally. This includes the acquisition and performance of partnerships across Chubb’s digital business, and the deployment of approved products.

He most recently served as Chubb’s global digital chief technology officer, where he drove the company's digital business growth aspirations. He has more than 20 years of experience in digital transformation and innovation and has been instrumental in building Chubb's embedded insurance and digital partnership capabilities.

Mr Oosthuizen will report to Paul McNamee, president, Overseas General Insurance and executive vice-president, Chubb Group, and will be accountable to Bryce Johns, president, Chubb Life and senior vice-president, Chubb Group, for life-related production.

“Johan has been an integral part of the technology strategy that made our digital ambitions possible,” Mr Ringsted said. “His deep technical expertise, paired with his commercial instincts for how partnerships create value, makes him exactly the right leader to take our digital business into its next phase of growth.”

Mr Lazaro will be responsible for Chubb's partnership relationships, including a shared vision and strategies for growth across digital platforms, technology companies and emerging ecosystems.

The role will identify and shape new growth opportunities and invigorate existing relationships across P&C and life, working across Chubb Overseas General and North America addressing evolving customer needs and creating value for both Chubb and its partners. He will report to Paul McNamee and to Johan Oosthuizen in the spirit of partnership.

Mr Lazaro joined Chubb in 2016 as Head of Digital for Latin America and was promoted in 2021 to executive vice-president, head of digital business for Overseas General Insurance. Prior to Chubb, he held several international digital roles at AIG, including global digital marketing director and head of digital for emerging markets.

“Gabriel has consistently demonstrated his ability to collaborate with our digital partners throughout Chubb Overseas General to build long lasting insurance relationships,” said Mr McNamee. “His track record across Overseas General Insurance speaks for itself.”