Top Insurance Professionals Revealed Globally
Insurance Business released its 2025 Global 100 list, spotlighting leading professionals from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Asia‑Pacific region and the United Kingdom who have driven notable change in the sector.
Industry backdrop and premium trends
Global total insurance premiums grew 4.6% in 2024, outpacing the 1.6% average recorded between 2019 and 2023. The Swiss Re Institute expects life insurance to remain the primary growth engine, while non‑life lines should expand more slowly as the hard‑market boost eases. Life and non‑life premiums accounted for 43% and 57% of total premium in 2024, a split that the institute believes will stay roughly steady through the next decade.
Deloitte’s 2025 outlook projects insurers’ return on equity climbing to about 10% in 2024 and 10.7% in 2025. Premiums are forecast to rise 3.3% next year, with advanced markets delivering three‑quarters of the volume expansion.
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Commercial insurance rates fell 2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a second consecutive quarterly decline after seven years of increases, according to the Global Insurance Market Index from Marsh. The Pacific region posted the steepest composite rate drop at 8%, while the United Kingdom saw a 5% decline.
Natural‑catastrophe protection gaps are estimated at 60%, as 2024 became the first year to exceed 1.5 °C of warming. Insured losses topped US$140 billion, and total economic damages surpassed US$350 billion, highlighting ongoing climate‑risk challenges.
Profiles of the Global 100 honorees
Claire Burke, underwriting lead at CHU Underwriting Agencies in Australia, was recognized for her work with complex strata‑coverage cases. Burke, who entered the strata sector 13 years ago, says she “rarely declines a risk” and strives to explain any refusals to brokers so they can inform insured owners.
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These leaders illustrate how the industry balances technical expertise, market expansion and cultural change. Their inclusion in the Global 100 shows the importance of individual initiative amid broader macro trends.
The list also serves as a reminder that while premium growth appears steady, the sector faces pressure from climate‑related losses and shifting rate trends. Companies that can blend innovative technology, inclusive leadership and disciplined underwriting are likely to manage these headwinds more effectively.
The industry watches closely.
