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RGA’s Global Community

Larnise Boain

Vice President
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The creativity, expertise, and integrity of our workforce is our greatest source of sustainable competitive advantage. Our globally distributed and highly talented employees generate strong performance that fuels corporate growth. We care deeply for all employees and relentlessly work to create a healthy and inclusive culture.

At RGA, we recognize that our global strength lies in the diversity of our team members. By embracing varied backgrounds and experiences, we enhance our ability to innovate, perform effectively, and grow as we pursue our corporate purpose of making financial protection accessible to all.

In 2024, RGA’s leadership reinforced our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by integrating these principles into our core business strategy. This approach not only fosters a welcoming workplace but also directly contributes to our competitive edge in serving diverse markets worldwide.

These efforts were recognized by industry and regional organizations:

  • RGA sponsored the 10th annual Dive In Festival, a global effort to amplify diverse voices in the insurance industry, which featured remarks from RGA President & CEO Tony Cheng, and several RGA presenters and panel participants.

  • RGA Asia Pacific was awarded the HK Business Management Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion, Insurance Business’ 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, and the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Australia.

  • RGA was selected as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and awarded Gold in the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index, UK.

  • RGA increased global participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), with 17% of our regular employee population involved, and introduced two new ERGs: Women & Allies in APAC and H.E.A.R.T. (Hispanic Employees Advancing Reinsurance Together) in US/Latin America.

  • RGA launched a women’s mentoring program in the Americas, and evolved workplace practices.

RGA’s companywide inclusion initiatives included the launch of a Global Talent Accelerator, which provides targeted development for mid-career employees. This nomination-based, nine-month program – developed in response to employee feedback – helps RGA leaders around the world strengthen professional effectiveness, corporate visibility, and business acumen.

To recognize the many RGA leaders who make outstanding contributions to their communities, the environment, and DEI initiatives, RGA launched its inaugural Global Community Engagement Awards. Seven finalists from each region were recognized, and nominees and winners were awarded grants for the charity of their choice.

Throughout 2024, Regional Diversity and Inclusion Councils (RDICs) from around the globe strengthened the inclusive atmosphere at RGA by providing programs, educational courses, and opportunities for community engagement. A company-wide employee engagement survey reflected the success of these efforts, as 87% of employees affirmed the statement that “My manager creates an inclusive environment where I feel I belong.”

  • Asia Pacific
  • Canada
  • EMEA
  • US and Latin America
  • Received the Five Star Insurance Business Award for DEI achievements in Australia for the third consecutive year.
  • RGA India sponsored the Color Positive Fashion Pageant, an inclusive fashion show that brings LGBTQIA+ and straight allies together in Mumbai.
  • International Women’s Day APAC Celebrations: RGA associates attended the AmCham HK conference where RGA served as Gold Sponsor.
  • Many offices in Asia celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with Bollywood dance, food, and festive attire.

RGA’s Asia Pacific operations contain incredible diversity. It’s important for us to actively celebrate our unique backgrounds and collaborate on events that educate, uplift, and empower our teams to champion inclusivity.

Christie Loustau
AVP, Global Underwriting, Quality Assurance & Large Case Underwriting
Asia Pacific RDIC Co-chair
  • Strengthened diversity and inclusion culture with 24% of Canadian employees participating in ERGs.
  • Launched the first Canadian scholarship program for diverse students in partnership with universities in Quebec and Ontario.
  • Established a new ERG-led Canadian Volunteer Program that provides focused volunteer opportunities related to sustainability, social inclusion, and wellbeing.
  • ERG-lead events recognized Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, women entrepreneurs, working parents, and mental health.

When people from different backgrounds collaborate, you increase the potential for breakthrough ideas to emerge.

Nimmie Veerappen
Vice President and Senior Actuary
GFS Risk
  • RGA UK launched a menopause policy that highlights the many ways to support associates experiencing symptoms of menopause.
  • More than 150 associates participated in an International Women’s Day panel featuring women leaders from the UK, Middle East, and Italy offices.
  • RGA UK Services received a Gold award in the Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Awards for embedding mental health into workplace policies and practices.
  • Launched a Culture Acumen Initiative that provides webinars and training from local office employees on cultural norms to facilitate collaboration across the offices in EMEA.

Our DEI events and programs provide a powerful opportunity to share our individual stories and connect with colleagues on a deeper level.

Karen Eyden
Director
Ira EMEA
  • 60% of the region's employees participated in ERGs, charitable giving, and/or volunteerism.
  • Created talent partnerships by hosting university diversity recruiting events and a high school intern program.
  • Partnered with Global HR to provide “Bias Interrupters” training as part of the RGA Performance Management process.
  • Hosted our first DEI Recognition Lunch.

Our events with university and high school students forge connections with the next generation of insurance professionals and ensure we have access to fresh perspectives and diverse skills to drive our industry forward.

Rissa Rutherford
Vice President
GFS Operational Risk & Administration

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