This feature highlights 18 extraordinary women who are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and redefining the future of insurance.
Pravina Ladva
Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Swiss Re
When she’s not on the ground with her teams around the world, relishes time at home in the UK – she’s a big fan of England’s south coast with its picturesque beaches and traditional seaside offerings.
With a degree in history and two decades spent in finance, Pravina Ladva proves that alternative experiences can be a winning formula in the insurance
History, culture, fresh air and spending quality time with family are high on her list of priorities – a fact belied by her current role, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer – that sees her leading the digital transformation of one of the world’s most powerful re/insurance companies.
Denise Garth
Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Majesco
Denise Garth is a familiar figure on the insurance industry leader’s circuit. Performing the dual role of Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Majesco, her career began back in the early eighties, when she bucked all trends and pursued a degree in computer science and mathematics instead of following expectations and entering the world of medicine.
As a female maths and technology-whizz, she was a lone wolf in the early days of computing, often the only woman in her class.
Today, she shapes corporate decisions and oversees diverse business strategies. She also spearheads global marketing initiatives and is known for her keen eye for industry trends.
Margeaux Giles
Founder and CEO, Irys Insurtech
From launching her first startup at 19 to revolutionising the insurtech space with Irys Insurtech, Margeaux Giles is a force to be reckoned with.
The Tampa-based insurtech SaaS company is at the forefront of bringing innovative, AI-driven solutions to the insurance industry.
Giles’s role means she’s always on the move for business, hopping from one long-haul flight to another. Yet, her professionalism and passion for the frenetic entrepreneurial scene shine through.
Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and insurance leader, Giles thrives on action and innovation. This drive led her to launch Irys, an open API cloud-based management system that simplifies workflows and ensures data precision. Insurtech Insights delves deeper into her journey and the impact of Irys on the insurance industry.
Jing Liao
Chairwoman of the Solera Foundation and Solera CAO
Jing Liao leads the largest vehicle lifecycle management data and software provider in the world. Under Jing’s leadership and in just four years, Solera has doubled and grown profitably with unprecedented speed and scale.
She is committed to fostering a healthy and diverse workplace. This commitment has resulted in a leadership team at Solera that reflects the strength and capabilities of women in the industry. The presence of senior female leaders in key global functions at Solera and its strong financial performance serve as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to creating a stronger role model in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Solera has created an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish, propelling Solera’s growth and positioned it as a trailblazer in the industry.
She says: “Will you be the one that changes many, or let many change one? Women leaders are still scarce in the insurance and motor industries, yet I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact fearless Solera women leaders have had on the transformative success of solera by stepping up, unleashing their potential, and reshaping what’s possible. we are excited to spread this success across the industry. Building a future where women’s voices and leadership are central won’t happen on its own—we need to create it together, starting with our own commitment to lead and inspire others.”
Janthana Kaenprakhamroy
Founder and CEO, Tapoly
With her on-trend sense of style and keen eye for technology-driven business opportunities, Janthana Kaenprakhamroy is a far cry from the stuffy, starched suits of the incumbent insurance industry. But she is also the perfect example of an industry that is in transition – and one that is embracing a brighter, more diverse future.
As the first member of her family to go to university, founder and CEO of an award-winning insurtech, and now an author and thought leader in the space, change and challenge are two areas she excels in.
Recognised by Forbes as one of the Top 100 Women Founders to Watch (ranking 6th), she’s also listed among the Insurtech Institute’s Top Ten InsurTech Influencers and Most Influential Women in Tech.
Janthana’s new book, Navigating Insurtech: Opportunities and Challenges in Digital Insurance, released earlier this year, provides actionable advice for insurance firms aiming to integrate insurtech solutions, backed by authentic case studies, expert insights, and interviews with industry frontrunners.
Shelley Ma
Cyber Forensics Expert & Incident Response Lead, Coalition
Shelley Ma is a cyber forensics expert and incident response lead at Coalition who began her career studying human criminal forensics. She plays a key role in supporting policyholders facing various cyber challenges and collaborates closely with the company’s in-house claims team.
Ma strategises responses to cyber incidents, ranging from everyday business email compromises to more complex issues like ransomware events, network compromises, website hacks, and insider threats.
She says: “I’ve seen it all. As a team lead, I focus on managing the technical and analytical aspects—it’s a bit like wearing multiple hats. I’m part problem solver, part tech enthusiast, and part support system.”
Belen Tokarski
President and Chief Operating Officer of Mylo
Belen Tokarski is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Mylo, an award-winning digital agency revolutionising insurance solutions for companies aiming to meet the coverage needs of small business owners and individuals. Its proprietary technology acts as a bridge between agents and carriers to help provide end customers with a calculated best outcome.
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, President and COO Tokarski has a proven track record in leading and executing strategic and operational initiatives. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance business processes and operations, seamlessly linking strategy with operations.
Samantha Chow
VP, Global LA&H Sector Leader, Capgemini
As VP, Global Leader for the Life Insurance, Annuities and Benefits sector for Capgemini, Samantha Chow has a unique view of the industry.
Chow is responsible for being the subject matter expert globally. She handles all of the strategies that are taken, thought leadership, the offers that are built, the accelerators that are designed, and then of course, relationships and focusing on all of Capgemini’s life insurance, annuity benefits, and pension providers.
She also acts as the conduit between the carrier and the rest of Capgemini from a solution consulting and IT business perspective.
Sabine Vanderlinden
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer & Venture Partner, Alchemy Crew Ventures
Affectionately known as ‘The InsurTech Queen’, Sabine VanderLinden is a pioneer in the startup space. She chose a career in the insurance industry, because in her own words, “the people were great.”
A trailblazer in the technology and innovation space, her passion for startups and the entrepreneurial space has led her on many adventures, the most recent of which saw her launch her own company – Alchemy Crew Ventures.
She is also an advocate for diversity and says her happy place involves constant learning and strategising new ways to encourage insurtechs and established insurance companies to work together.
Lisa Wardlaw
Founder and President, 360 Digital Immersion
Lisa Wardlaw is a force to be reckoned with on the insurance scene. Having joined the industry inadvertently (like all experts in the space) via a stint at PwC just after college, she has become one of the foremost influencers in the space.
As part of her rise through the ranks, she spent almost 12 years at the world’s largest reinsurer, Munich Re, culminating in her performing the role of EVP, Global Digital Strategy & Transformation Officer, Global Reinsurance. She then went on to become Chief Strategic Financial Officer at Farmers Insurance.
Today, she is the Founder and President of her own startup 360 Digital Immersion as well as an industry consultant.
Paloma Quiroga Arias
Head Risk Consulting & Analytics, Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions
Paloma Quiroga Arias, a former particle physics scientist, currently leads the Risk Consulting & Analytics department at Swiss Re’s Reinsurance Solutions division.
Quiroga’s journey from the world of scientific research to the insurance industry has been both dynamic and impactful. Prior to transitioning into business, Quiroga pursued a distinguished scientific career, including a position at CERN in Switzerland, home of the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
Her move from academia to industry was driven by a desire for a dynamic environment where she could have a more immediate impact in the “real world”.
Upasana Unni
Chief Commercial Officer, Sayata
As the Chief Commercial Officer at Sayata, Upasana Unni oversees the supply side of the two-sided marketplace. Initially focused on cyber insurance, Sayata has since broadened its offerings to include other lines for small and medium businesses.
Her responsibilities involve managing relationships with the cyber markets, introducing new carrier relationships, and launching new products in the marketplace.
Unni handles everything from helping carriers go to market to negotiating commercial contracts with them, and she’s also played a key role in expanding Sayata’s product offering to new lines, like business owners’ policies and general liability. Currently, these lines have been launched to a subset of existing Sayata customers, with plans to expand distribution and add more lines in the future.
Sri Ramaswamy
CEO and Founder, Charlee.AI
Sri Ramaswamy’s entry into the insurance industry has not been a conventional journey. The CEO and Founder of Charlee.AI – an AI, Natural Language Processing, and Machine learning-based ‘Predictive Analytics for insurance’ company based in San Francisco Bay Area, started off her career in Sales in a showroom in Hyderabad, India.
But, hailing from a lower middle class family, she had no thoughts of university – or a career in technology. Thankfully, a lucky break saw her graduate in Database Administration in Australia – setting her on a path for entrepreneurship and a career journey that would raise her far from her roots. Insurtech insights caught up with her to find out more.
Sally Wan
CEO of Hong Kong, Macau and Greater China, AXA
As AXA’s CEO of Hong Kong, Macau and Greater China, Sally Wan is responsible for overseeing all lines of business in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China, including life and health insurance, employee benefits, and general insurance.
The operations are spread across various companies throughout the Greater China region. AXA has a substantial presence, with a life insurance joint venture with ICBC and 100% ownership of the general insurance company in mainland China. In Hong Kong, the insurance giant also operates as a top insurer in the general insurance and employee benefits sector, holding a top seven position in the life insurance sector.
It’s a big role to fill, with numerous demands and responsibilities that span several countries – but it’s all in a day’s work for Wan, who joined the insurance industry following a career in finance.
Nellie Chan
Director of Customer Solutions, Google Hong Kong
With a background in media marketing and business strategy, and driven by a passion for all things digital, Nellie Chan’s career trajectory has taken her on quite a journey.
Today, her remit is managing Hong Kong’s market. Google Customer Solution falls under the tech giant’s ad business and the role requires Chan and her team of account managers to work with a wide spectrum of businesses, both large and small. They provide consulting and solution services to help businesses grow both locally and internationally through leveraging Google’s cutting-edge technologies.
Theresa Blissing
Author & Founder of the Asia InsurTech Podcast
German national Theresa Blissing, lives in New York, but is also the Founder of the Asia InsurTech Podcast – one of the most popular and respected podcast channels in the industry. Together with podcast host Michael Waitze, they routinely quizz some of the industry’s most influential figures, from giant corporations to new-on-the scene startup founders and also recently launched the global insurance industry podcast InsurTech Amplified.
One of her recent projects included authoring the tomb ‘The Future of Insurance: From Disruption to Evolution: Volume IV. Asia Rising’ edited by Bryan Falchuk. She also runs her own consultancy – Accelerating Insurance.
Cristina Ferrari
Chief Underwriting Officer
Cristina Ferrari is the chief underwriting officer of VIG Re and is responsible for the corporate underwriting department. She oversees a number of crucial elements, including defining the company’s risk appetite, ensuring adherence to underwriting risk standards through processes like referral approval, and maintaining portfolio resilience through diversification and accumulation control.
Additionally, she leads a team of actuaries who develop technical pricing methodologies and tools for the underwriting community, thereby establishing a comprehensive framework for governance and pricing strategies.
Angela Hunter
Strategic board advisor & non-executive director
Angela Hunter is a standout leader in the insurance and tech industries, known for her innovative approach. She started her career at PwC but quickly shifted her focus from accounting to management and marketing. After six years, she moved to Vodafone, where she successfully launched a new segment in prepaid mobile technology, handling the challenges of a startup environment with ease.
Her success caught the eye of NRMA Insurance Australia, where she led major initiatives for eight years, including direct commercial insurance and remote home security systems. Angela then made significant contributions at Citibank, GE Capital, and Chubb, achieving 56% growth over five years by focusing on the millennial family market. She later joined Prudential in Singapore, continuing to make a strong impact in the industry.
Angela’s expertise then led her to Citibank, GE Capital, and Chubb, where she achieved an impressive 56% growth over five years by targeting the millennial family segment. Later, she joined Prudential in Singapore, where she continued to make waves in the industry.
Joan Low
Founder and CEO, Thoughtfull
Embarking on a transformative journey fuelled by personal experience and a passion for change, Joan Low’s path from banking to the forefront of mental health innovation is nothing short of inspiring.
Raised in Malaysia, Low’s life took a profound turn as she dedicated two decades to caring for a family member grappling with mental health challenges. She did this while simultaneously climbing the ranks in banking, where she gained invaluable experience – but ultimately felt compelled to pursue something “more meaningful.”
Enter ThoughtFull, the brainchild of Low’s vision to revolutionise mental wellbeing. As CEO and Founder, she’s steering this cutting-edge tech platform towards empowering users to take charge of their mental health journey.
ThoughtFull isn’t just another app; it offers users personalised 1:1 coaching sessions with certified mental health professionals, along with a range of interactive tools and learning features for users to proactively engage with.
But Low’s vision extends beyond individual empowerment. ThoughtFull also serves as a bridge, connecting employees with much-needed mental health support through benefit programs, while forging partnerships with insurers and medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care and mental health coverage at scale.
Chengchen Li
Founder and CEO, Penguin Benefits
Penguin Benefits was founded by Chengchen Li in 2020, following her own journey through the complex maze that is the parental benefits space.
Leading actuary Chengchen Li stepped away from corporate comfort and a career that had seen her rise through the ranks in Manulife and John Hancock, to enter the adventurous and challenging entrepreneurial space.
She launched Penguin Benefits after deep consumer research and having personally navigating the complex maze of maternity and parental leave following the birth of her daughter.
Li discovered that new parents were potentially ‘missing out’ on vital benefits during a crucial time in their lives, because the already complicated layers of benefits (which have different benefits available in different US States, and through different employer or insurance offerings) had become even more challenging following digital transformation and remote working practices.
Initially designed as a consumer-focused tool for parents, Penguin Benefits’ platform enables employees to enter details such as their earnings and state of residence, guiding them through their benefits estimates and leave scenarios. It presents information through intuitive graphs and tables, helping users understand their potential benefits during leave.
Recognising the need for a more comprehensive approach, the insurtech has now evolved to work closely with leave administrators. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, including insurance companies and third-party administrators (TPAs), Penguin Benefits ensures that employees receive accurate, integrated, and personalized benefit information.
Read more
Report compiled by Joanna England
