29 June 2018
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is delighted to announce that Jules Constantinou begins his presidential term today (June 29), taking over from Marjorie Ngwenya. Jules has been part of the Presidential team for the past year, in the position of President-elect. John Taylor, Partner at Hymans Robertson, joins the team as the next President-elect.
IFoA President Jules Constantinou said:
“I’m greatly looking forward to the year ahead in my Presidential role. I am a firm believer in the actuarial skill set and will work hard to promote the expertise that our members have to offer in a wide range of fields. As actuaries, we are trained to understand the big picture, drill down into the detail, build models and come up with practical, commercial solutions. Our skills provide a unique insight and allow us to bring a point of view that others may not offer.”
“It’s an exciting time to be an actuary, with a great many opportunities and challenges facing the profession, both in the UK and across the world. We can add value in many areas, but only if people know to ask us. So if we really want our voice to be heard, we need to step out of the shadows and explain how we can contribute.
“With that in mind, in my year in office I’m challenging actuaries everywhere to engage more with people outside our profession, starting by telling at least one non-actuary about what actuaries do. I hope to start a dialogue about the value of actuaries, helping to ensure a more relevant future for our profession.
“We must make every effort to stay relevant, maintaining our skills and credibility in those areas where actuaries have traditionally worked, and addressing any challenges head on. One of these is the rapidly changing area of data science. We are working hard to ensure that as a profession, we are giving our members the skills, knowledge and support they need to thrive in this field.”
Jules joined Gen Re in South Africa in 1993 and is now based in London as Regional Manager for Gen Re’s UK and Ireland Life and Health business. He has a long track record of volunteering for the IFoA in a variety of roles. Those include being Chair of the Risk Management Practice Board and the Health & Care Practice Board. He was elected to Council in 2015.
Marjorie Ngwenya, now moving to the Immediate Past President role, said:
“I have enjoyed my year as President of the IFoA. This opportunity has given me a close-up view of the hard work and dedication our members and staff bring to the organisation. Jules has demonstrated a clear commitment to the IFoA, volunteering and being very active in several key areas over many years. It’s that passion for promoting actuarial science and furthering the profession that Jules will bring to the Presidency.”
”I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colin Wilson as he leaves the Presidential team after three years of successfully championing the IFoA and shining a light on our thought leadership agenda. And I would also like to welcome John Taylor to the team as he officially takes on his new role of President-elect.”
IFoA Chief Executive Derek Cribb, said:
“I would like to congratulate Jules as he becomes the next IFoA President and I look forward to working with him in his new role. As a volunteer, Jules has already made an exceptional contribution to the IFoA, and with all that experience he brings a deep understanding of the organisation to his Presidential role.”
For a copy of Jules Constantinou’s speech, delivered upon taking the Presidency at the IFoA AGM, or for an interview, please contact Sonia Sequeira, Media Relations Manager.
ENDS
Contact:
Sonia Sequeira, Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07525 592 198
Email: sonia.sequeira@actuaries.org.uk
Notes to Editors
Jules Constantinou’s presidential challenge to actuaries will include a social media hashtag #iamanactuary, which will enable actuaries everywhere to get involved, and provide a global dialogue about what actuaries do.
About the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is a royal chartered, not-for-profit, professional body.
Research undertaken by the IFoA is not commercial. As a learned society, research helps us to fulfil our royal charter requirements to further actuarial science and serve the public interest.
Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.
Members of the IFoA have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s.
Members are governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of actuaries in society.
The IFoA is available to provide independent expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial-related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions