#Japan #Tokyo #IT Excellence #Agile Development #MetLife Japan

MetLife Japan Achieves Landmark Recognition in IT Awards

MetLife Insurance Co., Japan, has made history by receiving its inaugural IT Excellence Award at the 2025 IT Awards, hosted by the Non-Profit Corporation for IT Promotion. This acknowledgment, awarded in the category of Management and Business Reform, highlights the company’s commitment to transforming its operations through cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies.

Under the leadership of CEO Dirk Osting, MetLife Japan has embarked on a significant overhaul of its sales support platform. Traditionally adhering to the waterfall development model, the organization has shifted to agile development, embracing a more flexible and adaptive approach. This strategic transition aims to bridge the gap between IT and business, driving comprehensive organizational change that optimizes performance and responsiveness to market demands.

Since implementing the Agile Delivery Model in 2020, MetLife has adopted several initiatives to promote an agile mindset across all levels of the organization. Key measures include fostering talent, leveraging global resources, and establishing a cross-departmental Scrum development structure. These collective efforts have led to remarkable outcomes, including accelerated project timelines, a decrease in defect occurrences, and improved average velocity, which measures the output during sprints.

Bill Papa, the Global Head of Technology and Operations at MetLife USA, commented on the award: “This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation that creates real value. It showcases our commitment to providing world-class experiences at critical moments for our customers.”

The judging committee of the IT Awards, led by Tetsuya Hagino, an esteemed professor emeritus at Keio University, praised MetLife's unwavering dedication to agile development. They noted, “The company’s commitment to training top-notch personnel, merging IT with business, and executing global projects presents a benchmark for others aiming for agile development success. Their ongoing evolution makes them deserving of this esteemed award.”

The IT Awards, established by the IT Promotion Association in 1983, recognize organizations that have achieved outstanding business reforms and social contributions through the use of IT and digital technologies. Each year, awards are conferred in four categories: Management and Business Reform, Customer Value and Service Innovation, Social and Environmental Value Creation, and Co-Creation and Ecosystem Development, following a rigorous selection process.

MetLife Japan stands committed to advancing its purpose of walking together towards a more reliable future. The company aims to continue delivering high-quality products and services efficiently, propelling business reforms through the integration of IT and business.

For more information on the award-winning enterprises, details can be found on the official website of the IT Promotion Association.

About MetLife Japan

Founded in 1973, MetLife Japan is the country's first foreign-affiliated life insurance company. As a subsidiary of MetLife Inc., one of the world's leading life insurance groups, it is dedicated to providing tailored solutions and support to customers, ensuring they choose the right coverage. MetLife Japan emphasizes innovation, delivering a diverse array of products that address various risks through multiple sales channels. For further details, visit MetLife Japan’s website.