FERMA Launches Next Gen European Risk Council for Young Professionals

The Federation of European Risk Management Associations has launched its Next Gen European Risk Council, a flagship initiative designed to give greater visibility and a stronger European voice to the next generation of risk management leaders. The council began its activities in April 2026, with its final membership confirmed following a selection process that closed in March.

The council is capped at 15 professionals aged under 35, drawn from FERMA's 23 member national associations across 22 European countries. Members are active risk or insurance managers selected on the basis of their experience, national association membership, employer support, and a short motivation piece. The initiative prioritises diversity across sectors and countries to ensure a broad range of perspectives.

The council will work under the theme "NextGen Future Thinking and Foresight," producing an in-depth project on foresight in risk management, with results to be presented at the FERMA Forum in Rotterdam in October 2026. Members will also contribute to the federation's education certification process, offering input from the perspective of those at an early stage of their professional journey. In addition to online meetings, the council will hold two funded in-person sessions during the year.

Philippe Cotelle, President of the FERMA, described the initiative as an effort to give younger members of the federation deeper insight into both the profession and FERMA's work, and highlighted the aim of working collaboratively to nurture future talent and strengthen the federation's offering to members and the wider risk management world.