Lessons from data center claims: Zurich ‘Future of Risk’ on-demand podcast

Schaumberg, IL (June 3, 2026) – Zurich North America is pleased to share the second episode of its Future of Risk podcast, “Lessons from data center claims.”

As data centers grow in scale, speed and complexity, the risks driving claims are evolving just as quickly.

In this episode of Future of Risk, we explore key lessons from data center claims, focusing on the unique risks emerging from rapid construction, increasing project scale and evolving loss drivers. Our guests are Jimmy Johnson, Vice President of Property Major Case Unit at Zurich U.S. and Patrick McBride, Head of International Construction, Global Specialty at Zurich. Together, they unpack how rising project values, complex equipment and compressed timelines are fundamentally reshaping both underwriting and claims strategies. The discussion highlights major loss drivers such as severe weather, equipment sensitivity and construction sequencing, as well as the growing impact of delay in startup (DSU) exposures. Listeners will gain insight into how Zurich is applying decades of experience, data and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative solutions and help clients navigate these increasingly complex risks.

This podcast covers:

• The impact of hyperscale growth on data center construction claims
• Data center risk: Key loss insights
• Sequencing risks in data center builds
• Claims readiness in a high-speed market
• Condensation risk in data centers
• Contingency planning for data center risk
• Managing delay in startup risk
• Navigating complex delay in startup claims
• Aligning underwriting with risk exposure

Listen now or read the transcript: “Lessons from data center claims.”

Featuring:

Jimmy Johnson is an insurance claims executive with more than 30 years of experience across commercial and personal lines, property, auto and liability. He currently serves as Vice President of the Property Major Case Unit at Zurich U.S., where he leads complex large loss, catastrophe, international and construction related claims operations. Jimmy brings a rare end to end perspective, having worked as an insurance agent and broker, a licensed mechanical contractor, a field adjuster and a claims executive. Known for driving operational excellence, expense management and innovation, he has led major claims transformations, catastrophe response programs and large-scale teams responsible for billions in insured exposure.

• Patrick McBride, Head of International Construction, Global Specialty, Zurich

Patrick McBride was appointed as Head of International Construction in Zurich’s Global Specialty Construction & Surety team in April 2026. In this role, Patrick leads Zurich’s international Construction operations, with responsibility for strategic growth across the UK, Continental Europe, Canada, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific region. He oversees a global team of regional leaders, supported by country heads and underwriting teams. Prior to this role, Patrick McBride served as the Head of Construction Property for U.S. Specialties at Zurich U.S, leading the organization’s national efforts in Construction Property. The role included close collaboration with key brokers and agents to conceptualize, develop, and implement innovative first-party risk transfer solutions for Master Builder’s Risk, Project Builder’s Risk, Contractor’s Property, and Inland Marine programs. Further, he has launched multiple strategic initiatives addressing emerging solutions in Mass Timber, Sustainable Energy, Construction Weather Parametric, and AI Infrastructure products.

Matt Wagner is the Head of Construction Property at Zurich U.S., where he leads the Construction Property business with responsibility for underwriting strategy, portfolio & people performance, and the continued advancement of Zurich’s market-leading capabilities. Prior to this role, Wagner held multiple leadership positions concurrently, serving as Interim Head of Construction Professional Liability, East Region Construction Property Regional Vice President, and E&S Construction Leader. In these roles, he was responsible for delivering profitable underwriting results, managing broker relationships, developing talent, and executing national and regional Construction strategies. He also previously led Construction Business Execution efforts, driving operational and organizational initiatives across the platform. Wagner graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership and Management.

About Zurich North America

Zurich North America delivers insurance and risk management services to help make businesses and people more resilient. As one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals, Zurich serves midsize and large businesses, including over 90% of the Fortune 500. It employs 10,000 people in the United States and Canada. Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), a leading global multi-line insurer founded over 150 years ago. Zurich serves over 75 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns. The Group has more than 63,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded on OTCQX. For more information, visit www.zurich.com.

SOURCE: Zurich North America

Tags: claims, data management, Zurich