RIMS has appointed Manual Padilla (pictured) as president for its 2026 term, effective Jan. 1. He is the 70th president of RIMS and the first of Hispanic descent to hold the role.
Padilla serves as vice president, risk management and insurance for MacAndrews & Forbes Inc., a diversified holding company with interests spanning cosmetics, film and digital entertainment, casino gaming and lottery systems, among others.
Padilla's engagement with RIMS began as a student attending the Annual Conference & Exhibition in 1992 on a scholarship. Over the years, Padilla has held multiple board leadership roles and contributed to the RIMS Public Policy Committee and RISK PAC.
Joining Padilla on the 2026 RIMS global board of directors are risk management leaders including Christy Kaufman, vice president of P&C risk and compliance at USAA; Penni Chambers, senior vice president of risk management at Hillwood; and Christie Weinstein, senior director of risk management at Solstice Advanced Materials. Other incumbent board members include senior risk professionals from Palo Alto Networks, TransUnion, Cook Group, CoorsTek and Southwire Company. Kristen Peed serves as immediate past-president and Gary LaBranche continues as RIMS CEO.
Commenting on his new role, Padilla emphasized the evolving role of risk professionals, noting that risk management leaders must foster corporate cultures that encourage strategic investments and innovations. He stressed the importance of continuous professional development, stating that making the smart investment in oneself demands patience, dedication and perseverance.
Padilla said his 2026 agenda will focus on creating opportunities for risk professionals globally to advance their careers while elevating the profession.
Padilla's appointment reflects a broader trend in risk management and insurance leadership emphasizing diversity, professional development, and strategic enterprise risk governance. With global business exposures becoming more complex - spanning cyber, operational, and regulatory risks - his leadership is poised to strengthen RIMS’ role in supporting risk professionals with policy guidance, thought leadership, and educational initiatives.
