Brit appoints chief technology officer from Swiss Re insurtech startup

(Re)insurance business Brit has appointed Bilge Mert as its new chief technology officer, to help the firm deliver a data driven and technology empowered platform for underwriting, claims and operations.

Mert, who has 18 years of technology sector experience, started in her new job role yesterday (4 January 2022), where she assumed responsibility of Brit’s technology and data strategy.

She will report to Sheel Sawhney, Brit’s group head of claims and operations.

Speaking on the appointment, Sawhney said: “Brit continues to fully embrace the power of automation, machine learning, data and technology with a view to enhance and transform how we underwrite, service claims and improve customers’ experience.

“Bilge brings a strong blend of experience from both within and outside the insurance industry and her appointment will enable us to continue in this mission, applying the latest innovations, approaches and technology to how we write risk.”

Driving better customer outcomes

Mert joins the (re)insurer from Swiss Re’s insurtech startup Iptiq, where she most recently worked as a senior director and member of the executive committee.

In this position, she developed and drove Iptiq’s technology strategy, built its global engineering community and delivered its white labelled insurance platform for distribution partners.

Prior to her tenure at Iptiq, where she has worked since 2019, Mert held roles at British American Tobacco, food organisation Mondelez and business management consultancy Accenture UK. She has experience across the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals and consultancy industries.

“Brit is one of the most innovative firms in the market when it comes to using technology and digitisation to drive better outcomes for clients, brokers and the sector at large,” Mert said.

“As an organisation with [a] genuine conviction in the transformative power of tech and data in insurance, I’m excited to be joining Brit and look forward to working with the team to continue developing innovative solutions to the market’s challenges.”