ACORD Unveils Its New Board of Directors for 2026, Emphasizing Diversity and Innovation
ACORD, the renowned global standards-setting organization for the insurance sector, has made headlines with the announcement of its Board of Directors for the year 2026. This pivotal announcement, made on January 15, 2026, highlights the strategic leadership roles and the commitment shown towards evolving the insurance landscape amidst rapid changes in technology and talent.
Leading the Board is Robert Kelly AM, who serves as the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of Steadfast Group Limited. He will be supported by Kevin Tobin, an Outside Director, in the role of Vice Chair. With a total of 18 members, the Board is now bolstered by the inclusion of seven new directors, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a diverse range of perspectives to the table.
Tanya Krochta, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ACORD, articulated the organization's mission, stating, "As the global insurance industry faces transformative shifts, ACORD remains committed to serving, engaging with, and listening to its members." This is a clear indication that ACORD is prioritizing adaptability and inclusivity in its approach to the evolving needs of the insurance community.
Among the newly appointed directors is James Bobbitt, who has dedicated over three decades to the London Insurance Market. His extensive experience includes significant roles at prestigious firms such as Equitas and Lloyd's of London, where he contributed to significant modernization efforts. Another notable newcomer, Christopher Jones, serves as the Chief Executive of the International Underwriting Association (IUA). Since starting his journey in the insurance industry in 2000, he has played a vital role in the IUA’s operations, focusing on legal, underwriting, and claims.
The list of new directors also features Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) with a diverse career in the insurance domain, and Andrew Kramer, the VP of Underwriting Risk and Innovation for M Financial Group. Each of these leaders possesses extensive backgrounds in overseeing insurance operations, underwriting processes, and risk management strategies, which perfectly align with ACORD's objectives.
Sandi Perillo-Simmons brings her unique expertise in data management as she takes on the position of Senior Vice President and Global Head of Data Management and Governance at AIG. Her accomplishments reflect the growing importance of data in establishing effective insurance practices. Additionally, Sean Ramalho of Travelers and Kathleen Ziegler from AXA XL have also returned to the Board. Their experience spans a range of roles focused on enhancing operational initiatives in a rapidly evolving industry environment.
Returning members of the ACORD board include well-regarded professionals such as Colleen Batman of The Hartford and Clyde Bernstein from Aon, who have been instrumental in pushing for innovation and efficiency within their organizations. Assembling this diverse Board of Directors is a strategic move by ACORD to ensure that they are well-equipped to tackle the imminent challenges facing the insurance industry.
In conclusion, the composition of the 2026 ACORD Board of Directors is not only a reflection of the merging of seasoned veterans with fresh perspectives, but also a strong commitment to embracing change in an industry marked by dynamic shifts. ACORD aims to ensure that its members benefit from the collective experience and insights of its diversified leadership as they navigate toward the future. For further details on the ACORD Board of Directors and their initiatives, you can visit www.acord.org/board.
Leading the Board is Robert Kelly AM, who serves as the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of Steadfast Group Limited. He will be supported by Kevin Tobin, an Outside Director, in the role of Vice Chair. With a total of 18 members, the Board is now bolstered by the inclusion of seven new directors, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a diverse range of perspectives to the table.
Tanya Krochta, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ACORD, articulated the organization's mission, stating, "As the global insurance industry faces transformative shifts, ACORD remains committed to serving, engaging with, and listening to its members." This is a clear indication that ACORD is prioritizing adaptability and inclusivity in its approach to the evolving needs of the insurance community.
Among the newly appointed directors is James Bobbitt, who has dedicated over three decades to the London Insurance Market. His extensive experience includes significant roles at prestigious firms such as Equitas and Lloyd's of London, where he contributed to significant modernization efforts. Another notable newcomer, Christopher Jones, serves as the Chief Executive of the International Underwriting Association (IUA). Since starting his journey in the insurance industry in 2000, he has played a vital role in the IUA’s operations, focusing on legal, underwriting, and claims.
The list of new directors also features Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) with a diverse career in the insurance domain, and Andrew Kramer, the VP of Underwriting Risk and Innovation for M Financial Group. Each of these leaders possesses extensive backgrounds in overseeing insurance operations, underwriting processes, and risk management strategies, which perfectly align with ACORD's objectives.
Sandi Perillo-Simmons brings her unique expertise in data management as she takes on the position of Senior Vice President and Global Head of Data Management and Governance at AIG. Her accomplishments reflect the growing importance of data in establishing effective insurance practices. Additionally, Sean Ramalho of Travelers and Kathleen Ziegler from AXA XL have also returned to the Board. Their experience spans a range of roles focused on enhancing operational initiatives in a rapidly evolving industry environment.
Returning members of the ACORD board include well-regarded professionals such as Colleen Batman of The Hartford and Clyde Bernstein from Aon, who have been instrumental in pushing for innovation and efficiency within their organizations. Assembling this diverse Board of Directors is a strategic move by ACORD to ensure that they are well-equipped to tackle the imminent challenges facing the insurance industry.
In conclusion, the composition of the 2026 ACORD Board of Directors is not only a reflection of the merging of seasoned veterans with fresh perspectives, but also a strong commitment to embracing change in an industry marked by dynamic shifts. ACORD aims to ensure that its members benefit from the collective experience and insights of its diversified leadership as they navigate toward the future. For further details on the ACORD Board of Directors and their initiatives, you can visit www.acord.org/board.
Topics Business Technology）
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