The construction industry is evolving at a fast pace. Several organizations are using innovative technology, pioneering methods, and new materials to respond to the challenges they’re facing, such as resource constraints, safety improvements, and becoming more efficient during the building process and beyond. New technologies and processes are also providing the industry with important data that helps identify risks and enables businesses to take preemptive action to address them.
In this episode of Risk in Context, Richard Gurney, the Global Head of Construction within Marsh Specialty, speaks with Cheri Hanes, Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability at AXA XL, and Avi Khanna, Construction Innovation and Operational Excellence Leader for Marsh US. They discuss how groundbreaking technologies — such as connected devices, machines, and sensors — can help construction sites become safer and more efficient, and explore the various procurement and adoption factors that need to be considered. They also discuss how the data from new technologies can help underwriters price risk.
Global Head of Construction, Marsh Specialty
United Kingdom
Richard Gurney is the global head of construction and is responsible for developing overall strategy and service delivery on a global basis. Based in Marsh’s London office, he has extensive experience working with the construction industry and has assisted multinational clients and many of the world’s largest projects.
Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability North American Construction, AXA XL
United States
As Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability at AXA XL, Cheri Hanes provides strategic leadership and direction in sustainable construction and innovation via the implementation of processes, technology, unique insurance solutions, and enhanced customer service initiatives across all construction lines of business. With more than 30 years of industry experience, she is dedicated to supporting AXA XL’s clients’ innovation efforts, sustainability, and technological maturity, which improve both individual enterprises and the industry as a whole. She is committed to developing innovative insurance solutions to support sustainably focused, technology-forward, innovative companies.
Construction Innovation and Operational Excellence Leader, Marsh U.S
United States
Avi Khanna is the Construction Innovation and Operational Excellence Leader for Marsh Construction in the US and functions as a client executive out of the Boston office. In this role, he works closely with colleagues from across the US and around the world and is responsible for crafting and executing on operational initiatives for the US Construction Practice. He also creates innovative approaches to support clients and coordinates the delivery of all Marsh resources to his clients, supervises the client team, develops marketplace strategies, and crafts novel solutions and approaches for insurance risks.
