Nine leadership questions for Terashni Pillay, CEO, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa Chief Executive Officer, Terashni Pillay, jokingly says that there is a saying that goes "You don’t find insurance - insurance finds you”. She says it is exactly what happened to her as a chemical engineer on a plant during her first role as a property risk engineer in the US.

Over the course of her career she has been fortunate to lead exciting business transformation and strategic initiatives for several inspiring multinational carrier and broker firms. Pillay has recently been named as a Top Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.  

1. For how long have you been with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions as its Chief Executive Officer? 

I have had the honour of serving as CEO of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa since 2021. It has been incredible highlight to join this organisation from the very beginning as I have witnessed its growth and evolution firsthand. What inspires me most is the privilege of leading an incredible team that is passionate about making a real difference for our brokers, clients and communities.

2. How have your previous roles within Swiss Re and prior to joining Swiss Re prepared you for this current role .... Any challenges, highlights, or learnings?

My previous roles both within Swiss Re and before joining, have been instrumental in preparing me for my current position. Each experience has given me powerful insights - whether it was learning how businesses truly operate, solving complex challenges or collaborating with diverse global teams. They have also deepened my understanding of the South African insurance market and its unique operating environment.

Along the way, I have had to stretch my strategic and critical thinking muscles, developing the ability to see both the big picture and the small details that matter. Most importantly, these roles have shaped my leadership journey - teaching me resilience, the value of listening and the importance of empowering others to rise. For me, every challenge is an opportunity and every highlight a reminder of what’s possible when vision meets determination.

3. What would you say are the top qualities of an effective leader?

For me, the most effective leaders embody three timeless qualities:

• Clarity of vision - the ability to see beyond the noise, anticipate what is next and chart a course that inspires everyone around them to act.
• Courage and resilience - because leadership is often tested in moments of uncertainty, when we do not have all the answers but by having the strength to work with what you have to make impactful decisions and act with conviction when the time comes. 
• Empathy and kindness - the wisdom to listen deeply, create space for diverse voices, and unlock the potential of others through kindness. 

4. What would you say are Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ top priority areas for the next year?

Our priorities for the year ahead are both clear and purposeful. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to elevating our brokers and our clients experience - standing hand in hand with our valued broker partners to craft bespoke, impact-driven solutions while ensuring our shared clients receive seamless support, especially at the critical moments that matter most during a claim.

The Swiss Re CorSo claims experience for our clients and brokers remains a priority. We are also driving digital transformation and insight-led innovation, harnessing the power of data and analytics to keep us at the forefront of corporate insurance and to strengthen our resilience navigating in an increasingly complex world.

And, as always, we are steadfast in our pursuit of underwriting excellence, reinforcing the discipline and expertise that build long-term trust and sustainable performance for the South African Market. 

5. As a leading global insurer, how do you attract and retain talent? And how can the insurance/reinsurance industry better retain talent and skills?

Attracting and retaining talent begins with a clear purpose. People - particularly the next generation - want to work for organisations that have a meaningful impact on society. At Swiss Re, our purpose of building societal resilience resonates deeply with employees because it connects their daily work to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to closing the protection gap.

We also focus on creating an environment where people can thrive. That means investing in continuous learning and upskilling - particularly in data, technology, and leadership capabilities - so that our teams remain future-fit.

Flexibility is another cornerstone; offering hybrid working, international career pathways, and opportunities to work on cross-border projects makes us an attractive employer for diverse talent pools.

Retention is built on trust: strong leadership, inclusive culture, and recognition for the impact people deliver. For the industry more broadly, retaining talent requires rethinking our image. Insurance and reinsurance are often seen as conservative, but in reality, we sit at the intersection of innovation, technology, and societal change.

We need to tell that story better - showing young professionals that this is a sector where they can solve complex problems, shape sustainable futures, and make a tangible difference.

6. How do you see technology playing a much more significant role in the insurance/reinsurance space, as well as in product development and distribution in the next few years?

Technology is turbocharging our industry. AI and data are unlocking products we couldn’t imagine a few years ago - from climate-linked parametric covers to usage-based solutions.

Distribution is being revolutionised through digital platforms and embedded insurance, putting protection directly into people’s everyday lives. And with automation in underwriting and claims, clients will experience faster, smarter and more transparent service.

The future of insurance is not just about transferring risk - it is about using technology to create resilience in real time, making our industry more dynamic, accessible and impactful than ever before.

7. What would you point out as key areas of concern for the insurers for the next three to five years?

In the years ahead, insurers will be challenged on several fronts. The growing impact of climate risk will demand new ways of partnering with brokers and clients as natural catastrophes become more frequent and severe.

At the same time, closing the talent and skills gap will be essential to keep pace with an industry that is rapidly evolving through data, technology and innovation. The protection gap also remains a critical concern requiring insurers to extend meaningful coverage to individuals and businesses in underserved markets.

All of this must be managed against the backdrop of increasingly complex regulation and capital requirements, which call for agility, resilience, and disciplined execution.

8. If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my 18-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be to embrace the journey in all its uncertainty. Every setback is a lesson, every challenge a stepping stone, every highlight a celebration. Don’t rush to have it all figured out - curiosity, resilience, and courage will take you further than certainty ever could. Trust yourself and remember your path is uniquely yours.

9. What is the one book you would recommend to your audience, and why?

One book I would recommend is Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership is not about titles or authority, but about courage, vulnerability, and the ability to create trust.

In today’s complex and fast-changing world, the leaders who thrive are those who can connect authentically, empower others, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. This book offers practical wisdom on how to lead with both strength and humanity - something I believe is essential in business and in life.