Swiss Re has named Stephen Abrokwah (pictured above) as its next head of life and health (L&H) Japan, effective Oct. 1, 2025, pending regulatory and visa approvals. Abrokwah will begin transitioning into the role in September and will be based in Tokyo.
Abrokwah currently works in Swiss Re’s US life and health business, where he has served as a key account manager for US clients and global asset intensive business partners. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a background in actuarial science and client relationship management.
He joined Swiss Re in 2013 as a marketing actuary. Since then, he has led initiatives to improve mortality portfolio margins and enhance outcomes in the request-for-proposal process for US clients. Abrokwah has also been involved in closing major in-force transactions and developing long-term partnerships with key clients.
Abrokwah is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst, and holds a doctorate in applied economics. He is also the president and board chair of the International Association of Black Actuaries, where he advocates for inclusion within the risk management field.
Following his relocation to Tokyo, Abrokwah will work with the local leadership team to support clients in Japan and ensure continuity in Swiss Re’s life and health business in the market.
As part of the leadership transition, Kenichi Kasai has been appointed head of L&H client markets Japan, responsible for external client engagement. Daisy Ning, head of L&H Re Asia Pacific excluding China at Swiss Re, said Abrokwah’s technical expertise and leadership experience will benefit clients and teams in Japan.
“I’m equally pleased to recognize Kenichi Kasai’s expanded role as head of L&H client markets Japan. His strong local relationships and leadership have been instrumental, and together with Stephen, I’m confident they will continue strengthening our position and partnerships in this important market,” she said.
Broader trends in Asia-Pacific are influencing reinsurance demand, with Swiss Re reporting increased interest from life insurers in asset-liability management solutions, risk transfer for interest-rate exposure, and support for IFRS 17 compliance. As regional insurers adapt to aging populations and rising demand for savings products, reinsurers are providing more capital-efficient solutions tailored to market needs.
Swiss Re has also forecast that emerging markets in Asia will continue to grow at 3.3 times the rate of advanced markets in the coming years. This projection underlines the strategic importance of Asia-Pacific for global reinsurers, with Japan remaining a key market despite its mature profile.
The appointment of Abrokwah reflects Swiss Re’s intention to strengthen its local presence and align with anticipated growth in life and health reinsurance across the region.
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