ACORD, the global standards-setting body for the insurance industry, has revealed its 2026 Board of Directors, which will be chaired by Robert Kelly AM, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of Steadfast Group Limited.
Kevin Tobin (Outside Director) will serve as Vice Chair. The Board consists of 18 members, including seven new Directors.
“As the global insurance industry faces transformative shifts, both in technology and talent, ACORD remains committed to serving, engaging with, and listening to its members,” said Tanya Krochta, EVP, COO, and acting CEO of ACORD. “Our new and returning board members represent a diversity of viewpoints and experience that will ensure our members, and the industry as a whole, are prepared for the future.”
In addition to Kelly and Tobin, returning members of the ACORD board include Colleen Batman, Clyde Bernstein, Richard Brame, Michael Jones, John Kellington, Pascal Lehmann, Christian Schaffer, Charles Symington, and Abel Travis.
The new Directors include James Bobbitt, Managing Director at London Insurance Market Operations and Strategic Sourcing (LIMOSS). He brings more than 30 years of experience working in the London Insurance Market, including the past seven years at LIMOSS. Previously, he spent more than 17 years at Lloyd’s of London, most recently serving as Operations Support Manager.
Christopher Jones, Chief Executive of the International Underwriting Association (IUA), also joins ACORD’s Board. He has spent 25 years at IUA and has served as the Association’s CEO since May 2025.
Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), has held the role since September 2020. Before that, he was Chief Development Officer at Qlaims Limited.
Andrew Kramer, Vice President, Underwriting Risk and Innovation at M Financial Group, brings more than 30 years of experience in the life insurance, reinsurance, and bancassurance industries. He has spent the past five years at M Financial Group.
Sandi Perillo-Simmons, SVP and Global Head of Data Management and Governance at AIG, has more than 30 years of experience in software development and data management in the insurance industry, having worked at companies including The Hartford, Travelers, Cigna and AMS Services (now Vertafore).
Sean Ramalho, EVP, Enterprise Distribution at Travelers, brings three decades of experience in the P&C market, including nearly 20 years at Travelers. Previously, he was SVP of Strategic Initiatives, as well as Field Vice President of Business Insurance for the Metro NY/NJ Region.
Lastly, Kathleen Ziegler, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, at AXA XL, joins the Board. With more than 25 years of insurance industry experience, Ziegler has an extensive background in start-ups, as well as leading and transforming businesses. She was previously SVP for Operations at CopperPoint and, before that, served as Head of Distribution at Blackboard, an AIG-owned technology-focused subsidiary.
