Shirel Stedman joins board of Flood Re

Shirel Stedman has been appointed to the board of Flood Re as a non-executive director (NED). She has spent most of her career as a civil engineer working in flood resilience, climate change, and water issues across the public and private sector.

Stedman currently works at the Ministry of Defence as Global Head of Growth, leading the development of hydrographic data, and acts as chair of the Severn and Wye Regional Flood Coastal Committee.

She began her career in the civil engineering and infrastructure sector where she was an advocate for sustainable solutions and enhancing the environment. She has also been a board member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management. 

Critical time for flood risk

Stedman acknowledged she was joining the board of Flood Re at a ‘critical time’ with climate change on the rise and Flood Re to exit the market in only 16 years. “Managing flood risk has never been more important as we face a global climate emergency,” she said.

“I am passionate about flood management and look forward to working with the wider leadership team to navigate the challenges ahead using my technical skills and expertise to build on Flood Re’s excellent work.”

Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative currently helps insurers to fund up to £10,000 for each individual property on property flood resilience measures.

The scheme offers a significant resilience dividend, according to research by JBA, which has carried out research based on different climate change scenarios.

Stedman replaces Professor Paul Leinster CBE, who will be stepping down from the board at the end of March 2023 after seven years.

Mark Hoban, chair, Flood Re, said: “[Stedman’s] passion for this sector along with a strong network and enthusiasm will enhance the diversity of perspectives on the board to guide Flood Re as we work towards our exit from the market in 2039.