Financial services advisory firm Synpulse has promoted Marcel Loetscher to senior partner and Joel Smith to partner in its commercial insurance, reinsurance, ILS and authorized institutions (CRID) practice area.
The appointments come as insurers and reinsurers reassess their operating models due to increasing cost pressures and the need to improve efficiency.
At the same time, rapid advances in technology, especially in agent artificial intelligence, are providing new opportunities to transform underwriting, claims and finance.
Loetscher is based in New York and has been with Synpulse for nearly 16 years. He opened the New York office in 2012 and has been instrumental in growing the company’s business in the United States.
The executive is also responsible for Synpulse’s global commercial insurance and reinsurance businesses, directing strategy and delivery in the U.S., Canada and global markets.
By leveraging agent AI, Loetscher delivers real and measurable impact, enabling clients to modernize operations and effectively navigate an increasingly complex risk environment that is significantly impacted by factors such as climate fluctuations, wildfires and societal inflation.
Marcel commented: “I am honored to step into this role alongside an exceptional team at a critical time for our clients. Together we will leverage agency AI and deep industry expertise to build a stronger, future-ready insurance and reinsurance business.”
Smith, who lives in Zurich, was named partner after nearly a decade at Synpulse. During his career, he has supported major reinsurers and ILS fund managers through major operational and technology transformations and was instrumental in shaping CRID’s global capabilities.
Due to strategic, market cycle and technological factors, companies are broadly re-evaluating operating models to focus more on efficiency, productivity and delivering sustained value.
At the same time, generative AI offers revolutionary new ways to execute core processes, marking one of the most exciting industry shifts in decades, Synpulse noted.
Commenting on his appointment, Joel said: “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. This is a fascinating time to be working in the reinsurance and transformation space, with technology and evolving operating models creating new possibilities for our clients.
“I look forward to continuing to build capabilities with our team, supporting our customers to future-proof their operations, and contributing to Synpulse’s growth story during this anniversary year.”
Konrad Niggli, CEO and Managing Partner of Synpulse, said: “These promotions reflect the strength of our people and the ambition of Synpulse. Marcel and Joel have demonstrated exceptional leadership in helping our clients navigate an industry undergoing profound change, while advancing the capabilities and culture that differentiate Synpulse.”
“Their appointments reinforce our commitment to combining deep industry expertise with the potential of agency AI to help commercial insurers and reinsurers build the future with confidence.”
