Yoshihiro Kawai, secretary general, International Association of Insurance Supervisors
Kawai has been secretary general of the IAIS since 2003 after joining the association in 1998 as deputy secretary general. With great diplomacy, he leads the initiative to introduce global capital standards for insurers.
Who or what has inspired your work?
Who: Tim Geithner, former US Secretary of the Treasury, because of his commitment to resolve the financial crisis and the work he was able to accomplish for the same. What: Contributing to the greater good through international cooperation.
What have you learnt about communicating risk?
Risk management is a foundation for business management as well as a business strategy.
What are the major challenges ahead?
Creation and implementation of global risk-based capital standards for the insurance sector.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to emulate your success?
You need to have foresight, commitment, persistence, patience and, above all else, communicate clearly.
What are your other interests?
Sports - tennis, running and walking.