The International Credit Insurance and Surety Association (ICISA) has appointed Annet de Grooth as incoming executive director, as Richard Wulff prepares to step down from the post.
Amsterdam-based de Grooth has more than two decades’ experience in the insurance industry. She currently heads up surety underwriting and development for Europe at Germany-headquartered provider Dual Europe, having joined the company in 2023.
Before that role, de Grooth was Netherlands country manager and head of surety in Europe at Credendo. She started her career at Atradius in 2003, before spending nearly 15 years at Nationale Borg ahead of its acquisition by Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe.
ICISA, whose membership comprises insurers, reinsurers and export credit agencies, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Wulff has been the group’s executive director since 2021, following nearly 30 years in underwriting, but revealed in February he was stepping down.
De Grooth’s start date has not yet been determined, but she is tasked with working closely with members, management and stakeholders to “further raise awareness of the contribution that credit insurance and surety make to global trade, investment and economic resilience”, the association said.
“As ICISA enters its second century, I look forward to helping shape its next chapter and building on the strong foundations created over the past 100 years,” de Grooth said. “I am also honoured to become the first woman to serve as executive director.”
She added that credit insurance and surety “play a vital role in supporting businesses, facilitating trade and managing risk, and I look forward to working closely with ICISA’s members, partners and stakeholders to further strengthen the association’s impact and profile”.
Wulff said he is “extremely happy to hand the reins to Annet”, and that she will bring “an extra dimension” to the association’s work.
Jan Mueller, ICISA’s president, added: “Annet’s extensive experience and expertise in surety, together with her leadership capabilities, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen ICISA’s voice and support our members in navigating a rapidly changing economic and geopolitical environment.”
