Kalpana Shah becomes IFoA President

14 September 2023

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is delighted to announce that Kalpana Shah FIA has begun her presidential term, taking over from Matt Saker FIA. Kalpana has been part of the Presidential team for the past year as President-elect. Kartina Tahir Thomson FIA joins the team as the next President-elect.

IFoA President Kalpana Shah said: “I am humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by members to take on the role of President at the IFoA. I am proud to be a part of this organisation which was the first to serve as the voice of the actuary. The IFoA has a rich heritage and this year, celebrates its 175th anniversary. First formed in the UK, it has grown to become a truly global professional body with more of our membership now based outside the UK.

“My focus, during my Presidential term, will be to help the IFoA become easier to do business with, embark on a cultural transformation, and raise the profile of both actuaries and the organisation to make it one that members are proud to join and don’t want to leave. I want stakeholders to experience informed, transparent decision making and enhanced governance. And I want to encourage actuaries to be courageous and help amplify the voice of the IFoA through impactful influence.

“Through the Covid pandemic, it was inspiring to watch the collaboration of actuaries across the globe who came together to provide vital and timely information on a range of topics including the spread of the virus and the impact of vaccination. It exemplifies the potential we have to influence society and the greater good. I look forward to promoting greater awareness and understanding of the diverse range of skills and expertise that actuaries have to offer as I begin my Presidential term.”

IFoA CEO Stephen Mann, said:

“I would like to congratulate Kalpana Shah as she becomes the next IFoA President. In her role as President-elect, she has already demonstrated her commitment to providing a positive experience for our members and listening to their thoughts and ideas on the future direction of the organisation and the profession. I look forward to working with her over her Presidential term to deliver on our strategy and ensure a strong future for the IFoA.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both Matt Saker as he moves to the role of Immediate Past President and Louise Pryor who ends her three-year term on the IFoA Presidential team. And I extend a warm welcome to Kartina Tahir Thomson as she officially becomes President-elect.”

For a copy of Kalpana Shah’s Presidential Address, delivered via live videoconference on Thursday 14 September 2023, please contact Sonia Sequeira, IFoA Communications Lead

~ENDS~

Contact

Sonia Sequeira, Communications Lead, IFoA
Tel: 07525 592 198
Email: sonia.sequeira@actuaries.org.uk

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 of London.

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 COVID-19 and its long-term consequences, mortality, pensions, life and general insurance, health and care, finance and investment, climate change and sustainability, systems thinking, uncertainty and judgement, and risk management.