Since the start of my presidency, I’ve had the rare privilege of being able to monopolise this page of The Actuary.
That comes to an end with the arrival of the IFoA’s new CEO, Stephen Mann, with whom I now share this page.
I’m delighted that Stephen has chosen to join us – not just because I can write fewer words each month, but also because his arrival heralds a new era for the organisation. As Council finalises a new strategy, Stephen’s experience makes him ideal to lead the organisation in delivering that strategy.
It’s an ambitious new outlook that Council has been developing during the past year. It will put our worldwide membership at the heart of the organisation and ensure that the actuarial profession is well-equipped to play an influential role as our industries and society change at an ever-increasing pace. I will be telling you more about it in the coming months.
One early delivery from the strategy is the IFoA’s certificate in data science. Spaces in the inaugural cohort of this course – covering topics such as data visualisation, machine learning, AI and ethics – sold out within eight hours of bookings opening. We were gratified to see such a high demand for this new offering, and the IFoA team is proactively working with those who have registered interest to book learners onto future sessions. We look forward to sharing more about the first cohort’s experience and engaging with many more of you on this topic.
By the way, for those Associates or Fellows who are looking for new opportunities to serve, I encourage you to consider standing for Council. Nominations are due by 27 April, and it is a wonderful way to contribute to the IFoA’s future.
John Taylor is the president of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries