Marsh has announced the appointment of Amy Barnes as its global head of energy & power, effective immediately. This move comes as the insurance industry intensifies its support for the net-zero transition.
In her new role, Barnes will oversee strategy and innovation for Marsh’s international network of energy and power advisors, risk engineers, and brokers. She will also maintain her responsibilities as head of sustainability and climate change strategy within the company.
Barnes joined Marsh in 2001 as an environmental consultant, subsequently holding several senior leadership positions globally. She has provided counsel to clients on risk and insurance matters, with a specific focus on energy transition and sustainability. Before her present role, she served as energy & power leader for the US and Canada, stationed in Houston.
Based in London, Barnes will report to Andrew George, president of Marsh Specialty, whom she succeeds. The company also announced that Andrew Herring will assume the role of global chair of energy & power, effective January 1, 2026. Herring, who began with Marsh in 2010, has led the UK energy & power team since 2012 and will continue to be based in London.
Energy Insurance and the Net-Zero Transition
Barnes highlighted that as the energy and power sector moves toward greater sustainability, businesses are confronting increasingly complex regulatory, market, technological, and reputational risks. She noted that insurance premiums for renewable energy projects have experienced significant increases.
Over the past year, these premiums have risen by 20% to 40%, driven by substantial claims arising from natural catastrophes exacerbated by changing weather patterns and climate change. The insurance industry is recognized as pivotal in facilitating the net-zero transition by providing risk management solutions vital for renewable energy projects.
It is estimated that at least US$10 trillion in additional insurance coverage will be required for the energy, road transport, and building sectors by 2030 to support this transition.
“I look forward to working with our Energy & Power Practice’s deep bench of global talent to support clients in translating their climate transition risk mitigation efforts into business success,” Barnes stated.
