Industry-first senior executive development platform to groom next generation agency leaders

FWD Group (“FWD”) today announced the inaugural launch of the FWD Elite Signature at INSEAD Programme, an industry-first development platform for top agency leaders to transform FWD’s next-generation salesforce in a digitally-connected world.

This multi-year partnership with INSEAD, the business school for the world, provides a unique six-month intensive leadership and executive training programme for top agency leaders around the region.

The programme is part of FWD’s broader Elite Agency vision to build the most trusted, professional, productive, and digitally-enabled advisory team in Asia. The Elite Agency vision is brought to life through the Signature programme since transformation starts from grooming the very top insurance agents. The programme aims to develop 100 world-class agency leaders that will lead and transform the way insurance sales is conducted, and ultimately support FWD’s wider vision to change the way people feel about insurance.

The Signature Programme will be carried out in four distinct phases: (1) a three-month preparation on business planning and leadership agenda; (2) a one-week residential programme at the INSEAD Europe campus in France, where they will learn the latest insights in sales management, leadership, and technology application; (3) a three-month coaching period to put their plan into action; and (4) a perpetual alumni platform that consists of masterclasses and regional networking opportunities.

For the inaugural class, five top agency leaders were chosen from five of FWD’s markets: Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. Each of them went through stringent selection process. They were chosen not only for their business performance, but also their leadership potential, desire to grow and learn, and the ability to engage in the digital world. They will interact and learn not only from INSEAD professors, but also from each other both within their own country and also across the region.

Binayak Dutta, FWD Group Chief Distribution Officer & Managing Director, Emerging Markets said: “We are proud to announce this industry first in launching the Signature Programme and welcoming our inaugural class. Many companies focus on buying sales teams but we want to groom our own internally and build the best team in the market. We’re convinced this programme is a gamechanger for agency distribution and will elevate the professionalism of not just our agency but the whole industry.”

Zhuang Li Hao, FWD Group Head of Agency, added: “We have put a lot of thought behind the programme design. This multi-year, regional programme is specifically designed to provide the largest possible learning space and scope for our leaders. The regional exposure is unique, the quality of teaching from a top business school is unparalleled, and the personal coaching by INSEAD professors and FWD’s senior management is unprecedented. This epitomises FWD’s commitment to our sales force.”

V. (Paddy) Padmanabhan, Unilever Chaired Professor of Marketing, INSEAD said: “To be ready for the digital world of tomorrow, we have designed an engaging and enjoyable journey across 2 key pillars: How can you create a breakthrough business plan & strategy to take your business to the next level? How can we enhance your capability as a leader so that not only do you get better at leading yourself but also at leading others around you?”

Taking place on August 19 this year at INSEAD, the residential programme will see selected participants take part in a rigorous and tailored programme in Fontainebleau that consists of a blend of bespoke workshops ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship training, the importance of a digital ecosystem, business plan construction, as well as a masterclass on the latest sales management system and processes. A number of these classes will also feature coaching by FWD senior management, including the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Agency Officer.

About FWD Group

Established in Asia in 2013 with a trailblazer mentality, FWD is the primary insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group

FWD Group spans 10 markets in Asia including Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and family takaful products across a number of its markets.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences and making the insurance journey simpler, faster and smoother, with innovative propositions and easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to be a leading pan-Asian insurer by changing the way people feel about insurance.

For more information please visit www.fwd.com

About INSEAD

As one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity.

With campuses in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), INSEAD’s business education and research spans three continents. Our 155 renowned Faculty members from 40 countries inspire more than 1,300 degree participants annually in our MBA, Executive MBA, Specialised Master’s degrees (Master in Finance, Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 12,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. These core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

For more information please visit www.insead.edu.