IIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists

09/25/2025 – 10:11 AM

NEW YORK – The International Insurance Society (IIS) has unveiled the finalists for the 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Award, a prestigious accolade recognizing outstanding leadership potential within the global insurance community. This year’s finalists, selected from a highly competitive pool of mentees, distinguished themselves through original research addressing pivotal challenges and opportunities facing the insurance and risk management industries.

The mentees’ research was rigorously evaluated by a panel of seasoned insurance executives, who assessed the practicality and innovation of their proposed solutions. The selection process underscores the IIS and RGA’s commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

The 2025 finalists are:

• Robin Huettemann, Junior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, whose research focuses on “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships to Enhance Resilience Against Rising Loss from NatCat Events.” This topic is particularly timely as insurers grapple with escalating costs associated with natural catastrophes, demanding innovative risk-sharing mechanisms and collaborative frameworks. The analysis likely explores the interplay between government and private sector involvement in mitigating the financial impact of such events, potentially suggesting new insurance products or policy recommendations for improved resilience.

• Sulim Lee, Regional Business Development Director at AIA, addresses the critical strategic question: “Will Human Advisors Survive the Age of AI?” As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various sectors, including financial services, this research likely examines the evolving role of human advisors in the insurance industry. The analysis might delve into the unique value proposition of human interaction, such as empathy, complex problem-solving, and trust-building, while also considering the potential for AI to augment and enhance advisor capabilities rather than replace them entirely. Furthermore, it could explore the skills and training required for human advisors to remain competitive in an AI-driven environment.

• Anne-Katherin Schirlitz, Head of London D/A/CH Desk at Gallagher Re, focuses on “The Growth Imperative.” This broad topic hints at an exploration of strategies for sustainable growth in the reinsurance market, which is facing various headwinds, including changing risk profiles, increased competition, and low interest rates. The research may analyze emerging markets, innovative product development, or alternative capital sources as potential avenues for growth, and also consider the challenges of balancing growth with profitability and maintaining financial stability.

These finalists will participate in a panel session at the IIS Global Insurance Forum on October 27 in Switzerland, presenting their research to an audience of industry leaders. The forum will culminate in the announcement of the 2025 RGA Leader of Tomorrow.

The RGA Leaders of Tomorrow program, sponsored by Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), a Global Insurance Forum Gold Partner, reflects a strategic investment in cultivating future leadership talent. The program provides mentees with valuable mentorship and development opportunities designed to enhance their professional expertise and leadership skills.

“The RGA Leaders of Tomorrow program is shaping the future of our industry,” states Josh Landau, President of the International Insurance Society (IIS). “By equipping emerging talent with the skills, perspectives, and global connectivity they need to succeed, we are ensuring the insurance sector remains adaptive, innovative, and resilient.”

Tony Cheng, President and Chief Executive Officer of RGA, emphasizes the company’s commitment to talent development: “Our continued investment in developing emerging insurance professionals reflects a longstanding dedication to cultivating exceptional talent within the industry…enabling them to shape their careers and drive progress.”

Since its inception, the RGA Leaders of Tomorrow program has mentored participants from numerous countries, and past participants continue to contribute to the industry by driving innovation and addressing global challenges.

The Global Insurance Forum, taking place October 26-27, will feature insights from insurance executives and thought leaders on “Navigating the Future of Risk,” with panel discussions on AI, data, leadership, social impact, and resilience.

About International Insurance Society

The International Insurance Society (IIS) is a non-profit organization fostering a global community of insurance and risk management professionals. IIS focuses on talent and leadership development, recognizing excellence, networking, and thought leadership.

About The Institutes

The Institutes® are a not-for-profit comprised of diverse affiliates that educate, elevate, and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting, and preventing losses to create a more resilient world.

About RGA

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) is a global industry leader specializing in life and health reinsurance and financial solutions that help clients effectively manage risk and optimize capital. Founded in 1973, RGA is one of the world’s largest and most respected reinsurers. RGA has approximately $4.1 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $133.5 billion as of June 30, 2025.