Carmen Powell named CEO of ISC Group to drive gender equity in re/insurance

Carmen Powell named CEO of ISC Group to drive gender equity in re/insurance | Insurance Business New Zealand

Reinsurance

Carmen Powell named CEO of ISC Group to drive gender equity in re/insurance

New leadership aims to accelerate women’s advancement into senior roles

Reinsurance

By
Kenneth Araullo

ISC Group, a global network and industry hub focused on advancing women in the re/insurance sectors, has announced the appointment of Carmen Powell (pictured above) as chief executive officer.

Powell previously served as the interim managing director and brings experience from roles at Hiscox, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and the World Bank Group. In her new role, she will continue leading ISC Group’s mission to accelerate women’s progress into leadership within insurance, reinsurance, and related fields.

ISC Group, with over 20 years of experience, has built a community of more than 10,000 members and established partnerships with over 100 businesses worldwide. The organization aims to foster a more equitable workplace by promoting gender representation across all levels, leveraging talent, and advancing women into leadership positions.

The group explained that Powell will guide its efforts to work with government and industry leaders to implement sustainable changes that break down barriers and create environments where women can thrive at all career stages.

The organization’s approach aims to support women and the companies shaping the future of the re/insurance industry, promoting gender equity as a driver for business performance and leadership innovation.

Barbara Schonhofer, MBE, ISC Group’s executive chair and founder, stated that the industry has seen progress in advancing women’s careers over the past two decades, due in part to ISC Group’s efforts and partnerships with corporate sponsors and male allies.

“ISC Group has consistently evolved, building a strong community and uplifting women at every stage of their professional journeys,” Schonhofer said. “I am so pleased to welcome Carmen as chief executive officer, given her passion and commitment to build on our work, reach more women and drive our agenda forward to see more women in leadership.”

Schonhofer added that ISC Group, in collaboration with its corporate partners and members, seeks to be a catalyst for cultural change across the industry, aiming to create business environments that actively eliminate barriers and biases.

“Our goal is to encourage individuals and companies to go further, creating workplaces that promote fairness and welcomes all talented people to contribute and maximizing positive business outcomes through the power of diverse perspectives and ways of operating.”

Powell expressed her commitment to leading ISC Group at this important time. She noted the solid foundation laid by Schonhofer and the team, and her intention to continue collaborating with them to bring about lasting change in the industry. Powell’s focus on advancing women in re/insurance aligns with ISC Group’s mission of achieving real progress.

She emphasized that ISC Group has already started to engage with government leaders and CEOs, launching programs that support women at all levels in areas such as allyship, neurodiversity, and health and well-being.

Powell highlighted the organization’s commitment to ensuring women have the opportunities and support needed to advance their careers and achieve leadership roles.

“Gender equity is not just about representation, it’s about creating an environment where everyone’s skills and perspectives are fully valued, leading to more innovative thinking and stronger business outcomes,” she said.

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