MAPFRE names group chief innovation officer

MAPFRE names group chief innovation officer | Insurance Business America

Insurance News

MAPFRE names group chief innovation officer

Role in addition to current remit as CEO of assistance business unit

Insurance News

By
Terry Gangcuangco

Global insurer MAPFRE has appointed Leire Jiménez (pictured) group chief innovation officer effective September 1. At the same time, she will continue to serve as chief executive of MAPFRE’s assistance business unit MAWDY.

The appointment comes six years after the inception of MAPFRE Open Innovation, which is entering a new phase aimed at further enhancing business development, improving decision-making processes, and ensuring the company stays ahead of market trends to better serve its customers.

Jiménez will be in charge of leading this next phase, bringing two decades of industry experience to her wider remit. The soon-to-be group chief innovation officer has held significant roles in the UK, France, and Asia and has been CEO of MAWDY since 2019. She is succeeding José Antonio Arias, who will continue in his position as group chief operational transformation officer.

It was noted that MAPFRE Open Innovation has undertaken numerous initiatives that have shaped the company’s strategy, developed mechanisms, and cultivated capabilities and talent. These efforts, aimed at integrating with the insurtech ecosystem and other industry players, have provided MAPFRE with valuable external insights.

The appointment comes on the heels of MAPFRE’s release of its earnings report for the first half. In the period, the insurer reported a net result of €461.6 million, based on homogenized local accounting. The sum represents an increase from last year’s €317 million.

“The intense improvement in profit mainly results from the higher contribution of the United States, Spain, and the reinsurance business,” MAPFRE noted in July. “North America posts a relevant improvement in the result (+€58 million) thanks to the technical measures implemented. Iberia’s result grows 37%, reaching €168 million.

“MAPFRE RE, which includes the reinsurance and Global Risks businesses, posts solid business growth, increasing its result to almost €140 million (+15%). LATAM, led by Brazil, is the highest contributor to the group profit with €203 million.”

What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.