Elite Women in ReInsurance 

“Elite women use their voice and their proverbial seat at the table to ignite growth and to innovate,” says Margaret Milkint, global insurance practice leader at Diversified Search Group (DSC Global). “They create a positive wake so others can join them. Others can emulate them as role models and they serve to inspire, but they do it in an active way with an active voice.”

 

Elaine A. Caprio, president of Caprio Consulting & Coaching, feels that an Elite Woman is defined by giving back through mentoring, sponsoring, and providing meaningful guidance.

“In response to the current political environment, she also uses her influence to ensure her company will not be pressured to roll back advancements in women’s leadership. She understands the value of preserving the financial and societal benefits gained by promoting talented women in our industry,” she says.

The Elite Women 2025 make a strong case for insurers and reinsurers to embed gender equity into their leadership as they are: 

• Driving reinsurance growth through new operating models and product strategies, shifting from maintaining systems to rebuilding them for the future
   

• Evolving mentorship into sponsorship - A more impactful tool for career progression as women leaders actively sponsor female talent into critical roles
   

• Catalysts for enterprise-wide innovation - Female leaders are not confined to niche areas as they were in previous times; they're impacting entire business models. 

 

1. Depth of experience

• Average years in the sector: 19.1 years

This highlights a high level of seniority and deep expertise, reflecting long-term commitment and influence in the industry.

2. Strong focus on mentorship and leadership

• 80% of the women actively engage in mentorship and team development 

This indicates a widespread culture of leadership that extends beyond direct business performance, focusing on nurturing the next generation and building inclusive teams.

3. Embrace of technological innovation

• 50% have driven or contributed to technology and innovation initiatives, particularly around:
  - cyber risk management platforms
  - digital reinsurance systems
  - data analytics-driven underwriting

This trend underscores the pivotal role women are playing in modernizing and digitizing reinsurance operations.

4. Active engagement in DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion)

• 60% are involved in DEI-focused initiatives, from establishing inclusive hiring practices to leading women’s networks and education programs

This reflects not just participation but leadership in building more equitable workplace cultures within traditionally male-dominated environments.
 

 

For the chief underwriting officer, career progression has never been about rigid roadmaps. 

“Many of the roles I’ve taken didn’t even exist in the same form five years earlier,” Rodriguez reflects. “It’s always been about pursuing what I’m interested in, doing each role as well as I can, and trusting that each experience adds a new tool to my toolkit.”

That organic mindset has paid dividends. Along the way in her two-decade career, she has implemented global underwriting structures, driven product-centric transformation, and mentored rising talent across a rapidly evolving industry. Now, she is responsible for underwriting strategy and performance of a US$3-billion portfolio, spanning across property, casualty, and specialty lines written out of a network of offices in 16 countries.

Under her direction, the firm has driven strategic investment in cyber and parametrics, and these two areas have won awards recognising LM Re for market expertise and innovative new product development.

“Do every job like it’s the most important” 

It’s a mantra Rodriguez shares with mentees: “Treat every role like it’s the most important one in the company – because it is. Every job matters. Really getting into your role helps you build a strong foundation for whatever comes next.”

But success isn’t only built on individual performance. She emphasises the importance of thinking beyond departmental silos. 

“Understand how your role affects others. Make connections and ask, ‘How does what I’m doing impact another team?’ That not only builds your internal network, but it also makes your work more meaningful,” Rodriguez says.

 

 

 

As part of her current role, Rodriguez has reconfigured LM Re’s underwriting structure to shift from a regional to a product-focused model. 

She says, “We now have global property and casualty leads, so underwriters around the world share expertise and align on risks like climate change or pricing strategy. It’s helping us unlock new opportunities and develop talent across markets.”

This strategy has strengthened product expertise, consistency of view of risk, clarity of strategy, and risk appetite and speed to market. Rodriguez’s technical background across actuarial and enterprise risk management was instrumental in overseeing this.

The shift also has had ripple effects far beyond operational efficiency. 

“A junior property underwriter in Europe now collaborates with peers in LATAM. That global lens is a game changer for talent development,” she says.

Rodriguez also spearheaded the restructuring of communication and decision-making processes, enabling faster, more agile responses to market shifts and client needs, and empowering LM Re underwriters to deliver strategic, collaborative solutions within a globally connected business.

All of this speaks to her style. She says, “I’ve stepped into a few roles that didn’t exist before. Starting with a blank piece of paper doesn’t intimidate me – it excites me. I love shaping something new with purpose and alignment.”

“Challenge yourself”
 
Of course, not every step is easy. “I try to live by the ‘progress over perfection’ ethos. If something feels like a stretch or pushes you outside of your comfort zone, do it anyway. That mindset has pushed me forward,” Rodriguez says.

She encourages others to adopt the same approach. “You don’t need to have everything figured out to take the first step. Reach out. Ask questions. Most people are happy to help, especially if you’re thoughtful and prepared.”

Supportive mentors – formal and informal – have made a difference throughout Rodriguez’s career. “I’ve had managers and colleagues who encouraged me to take on new challenges and pursue opportunities. We tend to view ourselves more critically than others do, so getting that perspective is invaluable.”
 

 

When mentoring younger professionals, which she does regularly, Rodriguez’s advice is consistent: take initiative and look beyond your immediate role. 

“Get involved in enterprise-wide projects, join committees – whatever gives you visibility into how the business really works. That broader view helps clarify where you might want to go next,” she explains.

And when it comes to work-life balance – especially for working parents – her experience as a mother has been grounded in flexibility and trust. 

“Your life evolves. I’ve worked through different life stages, supported by great leaders who trusted me to deliver in a way that worked,” she says. “It’s not just about children – people have caregiving responsibilities, health concerns, and other priorities. A supportive culture makes all the difference.”

The industry that makes the world work

What is Rodriguez’s advice to the next generation and those who look at her as a role model for carving out a successful career in the industry?

“Stay curious. Follow what energises you. Make connections and think bigger than your current role. And remember, this industry is foundational to how the world functions.”

She believes the entire insurance sector doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. 

“Whether it’s climate risk, geopolitical instability, or tech disruption – insurance is in the middle of it all. No matter what’s in the news, you can trace it back to something you’re working on.”

For her, that connection between real-world events and everyday impact is what keeps the industry endlessly engaging. “It never gets boring. There’s always something new to learn, and someone new to learn from.”
 

 

The call for more female leadership is not about optics – it’s about performance, resilience, and relevance.

Kathy McLay, account director at global business network ISC Group Canada, says, “Elite women are not defined by their titles alone, but by their impact, how they influence, elevate, and create space for others to thrive. It’s the combination of ambition, awareness, and action that truly sets them apart.”

As political narratives around DEI face growing scrutiny globally and particularly in corporate America, the reinsurance industry finds itself at a crossroads. For seasoned industry leaders like Caprio, the response must be both proactive and unflinching.

“Companies such as Costco and Apple have shown us how to push back,” she says. “They’ve built compelling narratives around what DEI truly means in business—and how it benefits everyone.” 

It’s a lesson Caprio believes the reinsurance sector must urgently take to heart.

“The progress we’ve made in advancing women into leadership roles is too valuable to reverse. Executives need to be prepared to defend that progress and continue building on it,” she adds.
 

 

Despite growing awareness and a slate of well-intentioned initiatives, gender disparity remains a stubborn reality in the corporate sector and the reinsurance world is no exception.

• Women remain underrepresented in the C-suite
   

• Corporate boards still skew heavily male
   

• Profit-and-loss roles – critical for advancement – often go to men

Caprio outlines a clear, practical roadmap to reverse these trends – one that requires intentional effort at every level of the business: 

• Appoint more women to C-suite and board roles
   

• Ensure female executives are visible within the company and industry
   

• Encourage women to take on P&L responsibility and core business roles
   

• Create formal and informal sponsorship pathways
   

• Address bias in performance reviews and promotions
   

• Set measurable benchmarks for gender equity at senior levels

“It’s not just about mentoring,” Caprio notes. “It’s about sponsorship – opening doors, advocating, and putting talented women in positions to lead.”

Data from Grant Thornton shows that it’s not until 2051 that parity will be reached in senior management roles globally.

 

 

“Supporting women to come through the ranks isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for the future of leadership in our industry. We must continue creating meaningful opportunities for women to develop and lead,” says McLay.

And for fellow industry expert Milkint, the transformation hinges on one thing: intention.

“We need to actively break the bias,” she adds. “We must create new norms – and that starts with owning the gender bias that exists.”

Milkint emphasises the power of storytelling to catalyse change. “Celebrate women’s success stories. Make them visible. When people see what’s possible, it changes what they believe is achievable.”

And she’s quick to point out that gender equity isn’t a ‘women’s issue’. It’s a business imperative – one that requires support from all sides.

“Male allies, mentors, and sponsors play a critical role,” she says. “Progress happens when we build these bridges together.”
 

 

Beyond the boardroom, Milkint sees community as an often-underestimated accelerant. 

“Strategic networks, one-on-one relationships, personal connections – these are lifelines,” she explains. “They provide mentorship, support, and strength. Everyone needs someone in their corner.”

Her advice to women at all stages of their insurance careers is both empowering and practical: “Invest in yourself. Be the CEO of you. Use your voice – and listen to the voices of others. Find inspiration but also lift. Ask for help and be the person who helps. That’s how we create the future we want.”
 

 

Elite Women in ReInsurance

• Akshata Jantali
  Head of Finance and Projects
  Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
• Ally Roberts
  Underwriter
  Ark
• Amy Potten
  Senior Vice President, Head of US P&C Wholesale Treaty
  Acrisure Re
• Baneesha Narang
  Vice President, Reinsurance Solutions
  Swiss Re
• Beatrice Morley
  Global Head of Casualty and Head of International Reinsurance
  Aspen RE Singapore
• Chantal Rodriguez
  Chief Underwriting Officer
  Liberty Mutual Reinsurance
• Cindy Sng
  Chief Executive
  Gen Re Singapore
• Claire Turnbull
  Managing Director
  AON
• Claudette Cantin
  SVP, Chief Actuary and Chief Risk Officer
  Munich Re
• Elizabeth Santos
  Executive Underwriter
  Allianz Commercial
• Farah Fatima Zafar
  Vice President, Global Head of Talent Acquisition
  PartnerRe Canada
• Heather Bone
  Chief Executive Officer
  Gallagher Re Australia
• Ilsa Derfus
  Partner, Structured Solutions
  Awarded for her time with McGill and Partners (now with Coalition)
• Isabelle Bouchard
  Vice President, Group Reinsurance
  Reinsurance Group of America
• Jessica Coburn
  Reinsurance Underwriting Head, Canada
  Axis Capital
• Jessica Liang
  Chief Financial Officer, Singapore
  PartnerRe Singapore
• Kathleen Faries
  CEO, Specialty Group Europe
  Artex
• Kathleen Reardon
  Chief Executive Officer
  Hiscox
• Laura Gadsdon
  SVP, Casualty Treaty
  Brit Re
• Lianne Tjio
  Vice President, Head of Casualty and Financial Lines
  Everest Re
• Lucy Carter
  Executive Vice President, Accident and Health Practice Leader
  BMS Group
• Lydia LaSalata
  Global Head of Cyber Reinsurance
  AXIS Re
• Margaret To
  CEO, Singapore
  Chaucer Singapore
• May McKevitt
  Vice President, Markel Global Reinsurance
  Markel
• Michelle Glass
  Senior Underwriter, Casualty
  AXIS Re
• Natasha Scotland Courcy
  Chief Executive Officer
  Athene Life
• Nicole Griffiths
  Regional Director, North Western NSW
  Aon
• Rebecca Bole
  Head of Strategic Engagement
  CyberCube
• Regina Dean
  Underwriter Casualty
  AXIS Re
• Sarah Beckett
  Head of Broker and Client Innovation
  Axis Capital
• Sherice Bashir
  Head of Operations, Reinsurance and Investment
  Martello Re
• Shilpa Pankaj
  Executive Director and Co-Head of Agriculture
  Gallagher Re
• Shruti Sem
  Managing Director
  BMS Re
• Sophie Clément
  Head of Client Experience and Underwriting
  SCOR
• Suzan Pardesi
  Head of Energy Underwriting
  Africa Specialty Risks
• Tanya Dasgupta
  Head of Affinity and Digital Solutions, Australia and Pacific Region
  Lockton Companies Australia
• Tiffany Norman
  EVP, Head of Annuity Solutions
  Hannover Re
• Tina Thomson
  Regional Director
  Gallagher Re
• Tracey Gibbons
  Head of QBE Re, Bermuda
  QBE Re
• Vaibhavi Mehta
  Global Head, Life and Health
  Arundo Re
• Victoria (Vicky) Carter
  Chairman of Global Capital Solutions International
  Guy Carpenter
• Wendy Chetham
  Senior Casualty Facultative Underwriter
  Berkley Re Australia
• Yin Li
  P&C Client Manager, Asia Pacific at Allianz Reinsurance
  Allianz Singapore
• Yolla Fadlallah
  Vice President, Claims and Operations
  SCOR
• Zara Williams
  Outwards Reinsurance Claims Manager
  Rokstone Underwriting