NorthStandard names new Head of Sustainability

Global marine insurer NorthStandard has appointed Kate Kwiatkowska as its new Head of Sustainability, as the organisation pledges to drive the energy transition across the shipping sector.

She will be responsible for engaging with NorthStandard members, brokers, employees, and other stakeholders to develop sustainability as part of the organisation’s overall strategy. 

In addition to reviewing its sustainability priorities, her remit also includes establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms for demonstrating progress over time. 

Kwiatkowska joins from financial services management consultancy Fintel plc, where she served as Head of ESG and Corporate Marketing. She holds an MSc in Risk, Disaster and Environmental Management from the University of Huddersfield, and certifications including Leading Sustainable Corporations from the University of Oxford. 

‘A pivotal role’

In a post on LinkedIn, she said: “Over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed learning more about the business and connecting with my new colleagues and I’m excited to build on these insights to further embed sustainability within our overall strategy and drive lasting positive impact.”

Ed Davies, Chief Strategy Officer at NorthStandard said: “The Head of Sustainability plays a pivotal role at NorthStandard, coordinating, developing and driving the organisation’s strategy to ensure that we are operating responsibly and building an organisation that will support and protect our members not only today but for future generations.” 

Davies said Kwiatkowska’s impressive track record in leading strategic projects and implementing a sustainability strategy at AIM-listed Fintel plc together with her stakeholder engagement and data analysis skills, made her an ideal fit for the position. 

“Her appointment reflects NorthStandard’s continuing commitment to embedding sustainability across the organisation.” 

NorthStandard sustainability goals

Kwiatkowska’s appointment coincides with the launch of NorthStandard’s 2024/25 Sustainability Report, which outlines its sustainability strategy across five principles: engagement, inclusivity and equity, risk management and resilience, transparency and accountability, and leadership and advocacy.

The marine insurer’s own carbon footprint is minimal, but it aims to drive decarbonisation across the maritime sector. One of its initiatives is the Navigating Decarbonisation Expertise Group (NDEG), which supports members with the complexities of decarbonisation and fast-changing regulations and offers strategies to adopt low-carbon fuels.