Gard to Launch Five Market-Aligned Syndicates and Strengthen Leadership Team for Enhanced Client Service

Gard to Launch Five Market-Aligned Syndicates and Strengthen Leadership Team for Enhanced Client Service

(IN BRIEF) Gard will restructure its organisation on 1 September 2025, replacing traditional silos with five client-centric syndicates—Nordics; Asia; Europe; Greece, Americas & London; and Specialty—each combining underwriting and claims expertise under seasoned executives. Christen Guddal and Bjørnar Andresen will additionally set group-wide standards for claims, service, pricing, and underwriting. A specialised complex-claims team and regional area leaders for Marine, Energy, and P&I will ensure technical excellence. At the corporate level, Torunn Biller White will become CFO & EVP Finance and Technology; Ingvild Høgenes Nilsen will serve as Chief Legal Officer & EVP; Lars Lislegard-Bækken moves to EVP People & Strategy; Line Dahle becomes EVP Industry Impact; and Kristian Dalane takes on EVP Investments, Reinsurance & Group Functions. CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad and Chairman Morten Høegh emphasise that the changes will drive agility, sharpen client focus, and energise Gard for future growth.

(PRESS RELEASE) ARENDAL, 16-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Gard is embarking on a major organisational overhaul to sharpen its client focus and elevate service delivery. Effective 1 September 2025, we will replace our traditional silos with five integrated, market-oriented syndicates that combine underwriting and claims expertise, enabling faster decision-making and more customised support for our Members and clients.

“Putting our Members and clients at the heart of everything we do has always been our guiding principle,” said CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad. “By aligning teams directly with regional markets and specialties, we’ll collaborate more swiftly, craft sharper solutions, and ensure truly seamless service.”

Five Market-Facing Syndicates

1. Nordics — Led by Christen Guddal, Executive Vice President & Chief Underwriting Officer, whose 30+ years in the industry and leadership roles at Gard position him to drive growth in our home region.
2. Asia — Headed by André Kroneberg, EVP & Chief Underwriting Officer, with extensive underwriting experience and former MD roles in London and Hong Kong.
3. Europe — Overseen by Audun Pettersen, EVP & Chief Underwriting Officer for non-Asia shipowners’ business, bringing over 20 years of underwriting expertise.
4. Greece, Americas & London — Chaired by Bjørnar Andresen, EVP & Chief Underwriting Officer, who offers deep marine-market insight from more than two decades in senior management.
5. Specialty — Directed by Christian Prichard-Davies, EVP & Chief Underwriting Officer and former CFO, who led Gard’s acquisition of Codan’s Marine & Energy portfolio. Torunn Biller White transitions from CRO to CFO.

To maintain consistent excellence across regions and products, Christen Guddal will develop group-wide claims standards and service metrics, while Bjørnar Andresen will oversee unified pricing policies and underwriting guidelines. A dedicated team of complex-claims specialists and seasoned area leaders for Marine, Energy, and P&I will further bolster our technical depth.

Enhanced Corporate Leadership
– Torunn Biller White becomes CFO & Executive Vice President, adding Technology to her Finance remit.
– Ingvild Høgenes Nilsen, our General Counsel, joins the Group Leadership Team as Chief Legal Officer & EVP, leading Legal, KYC, Sanctions, and Product Governance.
– Lars Lislegard-Bækken moves from COO to EVP People & Strategy, focusing on talent and organisational effectiveness.
– Line Dahle, formerly CCO, takes on the role of EVP Industry Impact, overseeing Loss Prevention, Analytics, Sustainability, Communications, Industry Liaison, and Customer Support.
– Kristian Dalane is appointed EVP Investments, Reinsurance & Group Functions.

“This isn’t just a reorganisation—it’s a reinvigoration of our firm,” added Roppestad. “We’re gearing up for the future, fully aligned with our mission to help Members and clients manage risk and its consequences.” Gard Chairman Morten Høegh commented, “This forward-looking change underscores Gard’s dedication to continuous evolution and unwavering commitment to our Members and clients.”

Media Contacts:

Karoline Flåm
Media Contact & Senior Communications Executive, Gard
Email: karoline.flaam@gard.no
Mobile: +47 977 17 718

Ingmar Brokka Rike
Communication Executive, Customer Experience and Communications, Gard
Email: ingmar.brokka.rike@gard.no
Mobile: +47 91 18 62 82

SOURCE: GARD