NEW JOB TITLE: Paris-based global insurance leader, Ernst & Young Ltd.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Paris-based EMEIA financial services assurance leader, Ernst & Young Ltd.
OUTLOOK FOR THE INDUSTRY: The insurance industry touches every sector, world event and individual. The industry is establishing itself in a world undergoing fundamental technological, political and environmental changes. New risks are emerging like cybercrime and climate change. Successful insurers will need to clearly define their role in this environment, put customers at the center of their business, and ensure they are building brands and businesses that excite and attract talent. With an aging population, in a world where interest rates are durably low and most countries have huge debt, personal protection will become a critical topic where the insurers can play a significant role.
GOALS FOR YOUR NEW POSITION: EY is very well known for traditional services around risk, audit and tax, but I want to really establish EY as the transformation partner of choice. We have made significant investments to our capabilities and talent in the IT transformation, digital, innovation and strategy space, so bringing it together with our traditional skill set — plus our global connectivity in every market — to help build a successful and sustainable future.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Technological developments — “internet of things” and artificial intelligence — are accelerating exponentially, customer expectations and demographics are changing, globalization is under pressure, low interest rates seem to be the new normal and climate change is having a visible impact on the way we live. In this environment, insurers are having to optimize today’s business while innovating for a tomorrow they can’t fully imagine yet.
FIRST EXPERIENCE: I come from a family of insurers and have memories of my grandfather sharing stories about his time as an insurance broker in Marseille, France. Even then, his work touched everything and everyone.
ADVICE FOR A NEWCOMER: Don’t believe what you hear about insurance being an old-fashioned, traditional business. It is a fast-evolving business that must reinvent itself in many aspects, which makes it very attractive and interesting.
DREAM JOB: I would like to be a sports coach, as I like to lead and motivate teams and get the best from them. I also enjoy playing and watching sports.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: The insurance industry is facing significant challenges, whether on the product side, distribution, the customer experience or the operating model. It is exciting to lead an evolving sector.
COLLEGE MAJOR: I studied at a business school in Paris, and my major was planning and business performance.
FAVORITE MEAL: Grilled Dover sole with yellow wine sauce, paired with French wine.
BOOK: A book that had a big impact on me when I was a teenager was “Froth on the Daydream” by Boris Vian. These days, I have less time to read, which I really regret.
HOBBIES: Cooking a nice dinner for my family on Sunday night, skiing, hiking and running trails in the mountains.
TV SHOW: I am not a big fan of TV shows, but one I can watch if I am home is “The Voice.”
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Now that my three children are adults, I like to take some personal time to go shopping, have a massage or watch Roland Garros or Wimbledon matches, as I am a big fan of tennis.
