Supply Chain Predictions – A dueling conversation between risk and coverage.

The shipping industry has and continues to face unprecedented challenges.  From global production stoppages to the grounding of passenger planes and halting of port operations, the supply chain came to a grinding halt in the wake of COVID.  With positive signs of global operations rebounding, shipping volumes have increased, bringing with them the demand for transportation capacity.  But the turnaround has not come without challenges.  Record breaking losses and a volatile insurance market have only increased the pressure on shippers as they have taken on higher rates and retentions, as well as comply with more stringent risk controls in a very selective insurance market.

Our Speakers:

• Wes Rimes, ARM, CRIS, Head of Distribution - Zurich Resilience Solutions
  Mr. Rimes has 20 years of professional experience in construction/engineering, contract law, risk management and commercial insurance.   He is experienced in organizing, evaluating, and inspiring teams to achieve corporate goals and skilled in cultivating and maintaining relationships with both internal and external customers.
  As Head of Distribution, Wes’ current responsibilities include building targeted opportunities to drive growth for the newly formed Resilience Solutions business unit.  This is accomplished by partnering closely with the Risk Engineering Leadership Team to drive the sale of services for their respective areas.  The goal of these services is to help reduce loss and contribute to Zurich’s business partners bottom line.
  
  
• Richard Lawson, AVP, Marine Risk Engineering US - Zurich North America
  Mr. Lawson’s career spans nearly 30 years.  He began in Transportation and Logistics, which included 15 years as a Marine surveyor with concentration on vessel operations, heavy lift, multimodal and Security Risk Assessment matters.  He transitioned to the marine insurance industry in 2010, where he has dedicated his career to supporting global marine insurance programs while advocating for client engagement and mitigating supply chain disruption throughout the insurance risk cycle.
  Mr. Lawson is an active member of the Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA) and currently sits on the American institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) Technical committee. Over the years, he has co-authored several White Papers and given presentations at the AIMU and the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS).
  
  
• Aaron Howes, VP, Risk Management & Insurance - Expeditors
  Mr. Howes joined Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., in 1995.  The first six years with Expeditors were spent in logistics operations and quality control.  In 2001, Mr. Howes joined the Risk Management department and has been responsible for the design and operation of Expeditors' worldwide insurance programs.
  In addition to being the Risk Manager for Expeditors, Mr. Howes is responsible for the management and expansion of Expeditors Cargo Insurance Brokers Inc. (ECIB).
  Mr. Howes graduated from Queen’s University at Kingston with a degree in Economics.  He is also a 2011 graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University.