Emerging Talent and Shifting Paradigms: How IIS's 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Signal the Future of Asset Management

The insurance and asset management sectors are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological disruption, climate risks, and evolving client expectations. At the forefront of this shift are emerging leaders whose research and strategies are redefining industry norms. The International Insurance Society's (IIS) 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow finalists—Robin Huettemann, Sulim Lee, and Anne-Katherin Schirlitz—exemplify this new wave of talent, offering insights that align with critical trends in risk governance, digital integration, and growth-oriented innovation. Their work not only highlights the sector's evolving priorities but also signals actionable opportunities for investors.

Public-Private Partnerships: A New Frontier for Risk Mitigation

Robin Huettemann, a Junior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, has focused his research on strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) to combat rising losses from natural catastrophe (NatCat) eventsIIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists^[1]. His analysis underscores a growing industry consensus: as climate change intensifies, traditional risk-transfer mechanisms are insufficient. Huettemann argues that collaborative models—where governments and insurers co-design resilience infrastructure—can reduce systemic vulnerabilities while unlocking new revenue streams for asset managers.

This aligns with broader trends in asset management, where investors are increasingly prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and seeking exposure to infrastructure projects that mitigate climate risks10 Asset Management Trends For 2025^[2]. For instance, systematic investment strategies are now incorporating geospatial data and predictive analytics to identify regions where PPPs could enhance risk-adjusted returns. Huettemann's work suggests that asset managers with expertise in cross-sector collaboration may gain a competitive edge in markets where regulatory frameworks are evolving to incentivize such partnershipsLeaders of Tomorrow Program | International Insurance Society^[3].

AI and the Future of Human Capital in Insurance

Sulim Lee, a Regional Business Development Director at AIA, tackles a pressing question in his paper: “Will Human Advisors Survive the Age of AI?”IIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists^[4]. His research dissects the tension between automation and human-centric advisory roles, concluding that while AI can streamline routine tasks, it cannot replicate the nuanced judgment required for high-stakes client relationships. Lee's analysis is particularly relevant as asset management firms grapple with the dual imperatives of cost efficiency and client retention.

According to a 2025 Oliver Wyman report, 68% of asset managers are investing in AI-driven tools to enhance portfolio management and client engagement10 Asset Management Trends For 2025^[5]. However, Lee's work cautions against over-reliance on automation, emphasizing that human advisors remain critical for addressing complex queries, especially in volatile markets. This duality presents an investment opportunity: firms that integrate AI with hybrid advisory models—combining algorithmic insights with human expertise—may outperform peers in client satisfaction and operational efficiencyIIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists^[6].

The Growth Imperative: Strategic Adaptation in a Fragmented Market

Anne-Katherin Schirlitz, Head of London D/A/CH Desk at Gallagher Re, explores “The Growth Imperative,” a theme that resonates with the insurance sector's need to adapt to fragmented markets and regulatory shiftsIIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists^[7]. Her research highlights the importance of localized strategies, suggesting that global insurers must tailor products to regional risk profiles rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions. This mirrors trends in asset management, where investors are increasingly allocating capital to niche markets and thematic funds focused on resilience and innovation10 Asset Management Trends For 2025^[8].

Schirlitz's insights also underscore the role of reinsurance in enabling growth. As primary insurers seek to expand into emerging markets, reinsurers with robust data analytics capabilities and agile underwriting frameworks are positioned to capture market share. For investors, this points to opportunities in firms that specialize in risk modeling, parametric insurance, and catastrophe bonds—sectors expected to grow by 12% annually through 2027IIS Announces 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Finalists^[9].

Conclusion: Investing in the Next Generation of Risk Leaders

The 2025 RGA Leaders of Tomorrow finalists collectively signal a shift toward collaborative, technology-enabled, and regionally adaptive strategies in asset management. Their research not only addresses immediate challenges—such as climate risk and AI integration—but also anticipates long-term structural changes in the industry. For investors, this underscores the importance of backing firms that prioritize innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and human-centric technology.

As the IIS Global Insurance Forum in October 2025 prepares to crown the next RGA Leader of Tomorrow, one thing is clear: the future of asset management will be shaped by those who can navigate the intersection of risk, resilience, and reinvention.