Each June (or thereabouts) there comes a turning point for the IFoA: we hold our Annual General Meeting, announce our newest Council members and see the changeover of our presidents, with the newly installed president making their first official address.
It is a privilege to work with our volunteers, and this is especially true of my work with the presidential team. The
IFoA is unique in its member-led leadership, and our presidents carry out their commitment with a sincere desire to serve our members and the broader profession.
During the past year, John has been a champion of our member experience and member value, finding new ways to blend actuarial and data science, and upholding the IFoA’s high standards and values through a period of change. Alongside the wider presidential team, he has been instrumental in revisiting our strategy and helping to articulate a clear way forward.
On a personal level, I have appreciated John’s wise counsel and support. It has been evident to me how much work he has done, often behind the scenes, to keep the IFoA’s flame burning brightly, helping guide the organisation (and me) through challenges and keeping members at the forefront of discussions.
There is always constancy in terms of the future vision for the IFoA and the broader profession. The wearer of the presidential medal may change, but our direction does not. My role, along with the executive team, is to support that continuity and help our presidential team and Council deliver against our overarching purpose and strategy. We will continue to build upon John’s progress as Tan Suee Chieh takes the helm this month, and Louise Pryor follows in 2021.
As the world changes, I take comfort in the IFoA’s shared vision and purpose. Although each leader is different, they share a collective energy and passion for taking the actuarial profession forward.
Stephen Mann is the chief executive of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
