Schaumberg, IL (July 1, 2026) – Zurich North America is pleased to share the fourth episode of its Future of Risk podcast, “Data centers through the eyes of risk engineers.”
Step inside the fast-moving world of data center construction and operations in this episode of Future of Risk, hosted by Matt Wagner, Head of Construction Property at Zurich U.S., joined by Bill Ingram, VP of Technical Operations, and Joseph McManigal, Senior Risk Engineer, South, both with Zurich Resilience Solutions.
The conversation offers a firsthand look at how risk engineers approach some of today’s most complex, high stakes builds. From the moment they arrive on site to the final stages of commissioning, Bill and Joseph share the details that can determine project success—highlighting how coordination, early planning and disciplined execution can make or break a project.
The takeaway is clear: build it right, respond quickly to issues, and plan for the long term, because in data centers, every decision can have a lasting impact.
This podcast covers:
- How Risk Engineers assess safety on data center construction sites
- Key risks that can impact data center operations
- Reducing power risk in data center operations
- Preventing arc flash and electrical hazards in data centers
- Hidden risks in data center structure design
- Why owner presence matters in data center builds
- Actionable insights on data center risk and resilience
Listen now or read the transcript: “Data centers through the eyes of risk engineers.”
Featuring:
- Bill Ingram, VP of Technical Operations, Zurich Resilience Solutions
Bill Ingram is a VP of Technical Operations with deep expertise in risk engineering and insurance analytics. He specializes in large-loss event analysis, extreme weather risk, and technical underwriting support. Known for his detail-oriented approach, he produces executive-ready insights and client-facing deliverables aligned to Zurich standards. He plays a key role in translating complex data into actionable strategies for operational and risk management decisions.
- Joseph McManigal, , Senior Risk Engineer, South, Zurich Resilience Solutions
Joseph McManigal, CSP, CRIS, CESCP, CIT, is a Senior Construction Risk Engineering Consultant with Zurich Resilience Solutions and a Team Leader for Zurich’s Center of Excellence (COE) Data Center Team. He specializes in electrical safety and large-scale construction risks, bringing deep expertise in NFPA 70E and complex power systems to support customers focused on mission-critical projects. A former journeyman electrician, Joseph combines real-world field experience with technical risk management to help clients mitigate electrical hazards and improve operational reliability. He is the author of the IEEE paper “Special Treatment – Temporary Power in Construction,” which earned an Honorable Mention Prize Paper Award at the 2025 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop for advancing electrical safety practices in construction.
- Matt Wagner, Head of Construction Property, Zurich
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 the Podcast series
Presented by Zurich U.S., The Future of Risk explores the changing risk and resilience landscape and share insights on the challenges that face businesses to help you meet tomorrow prepared. In this episode, we’re sort of traveling vicariously to a collection of data center job sites and looking at them through the eyes of two specialist risk engineers who have completely different lenses, construction and operations.
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: Big Data, claims, data, data management, podcast, power risk, Zurich
