Dr. Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan is an authority on managing the risks, the financial impact and the public policy challenges associated with catastrophic events.

What is a catastrophic event? Any extraordinary occurrence capable of inflicting massive casualties and very severe economic losses. Think floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis or global climate change and environmental disasters. Think also devastating terrorist attacks, pandemics, financial and economic upheavals. …

Originally from Brittany in France, he completed his PhD in economics and finance in 2002 at age 26, then joined the Wharton School (Philadelphia, PA – USA), one of the world’s premier business schools.

Recently named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) — “an honor bestowed to recognize and acknowledge the most extraordinary leaders of the world under the age of 40” — Michel-Kerjan advises private and public organizations, policymakers and NGOs around the world on how to better protect against those events and develop innovative solutions that create sustainable value. Since 2008 he also serves as Chairman of the OECD Secretary-General Advisory Board on financial management of catastrophes (31 member countries).

His view of the future is simple: the world will see more and more of these unprecedented events, devastating catastrophes. As the 2000s decade has clearly proven to be the case, we –as individuals, companies, society– need to completely re-think the way we approach these questions.

Dr. Michel-Kerjan’s mission is to help us think more clearly about the answers.

Welcome to the world of those who deal with the extra-ordinary!