MEET THE SPEAKERS


09:40 - CII CEO Opening Address: Innovation and Impact

MATTHEW HILL
Chief Executive Officer - Chartered Insurance Institute

Matthew joined the CII in April 2024. Prior to that he was Chief Executive and executive Board Member at The Legal Services Board (LSB).

He started his career in the Civil Service, working in a wide range of areas over a twenty-year span. His brief has included food safety, animal health, alcohol, civil contingencies, broadcasting, gambling, creative industries and healthcare regulation.

Before joining the LSB, Matthew was Executive Director, Strategy at the General Dental Council, and prior to that he was Director, Regulatory Risk & Analysis at the Gambling Commission.


10:00 - Keynote: AI and the Future of the Insurance Profession

RICHARD SUSSKIND
Special Envoy for Justice and AI to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

Technologist and lawyer, Professor Richard Susskind is a leading expert on the impact of AI on society.The world’s most cited author on the future of legal services and President of the Society for Computers and Law from 1998-2003, Richard served as Technology Adviser to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. Author of eleven books, Richard’s contributed more than 150 columns to The Times. In the1980s, he wrote his doctorate on AI and the law at Balliol College, Oxford; with his work being translated into 18 languages. In 2000, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen. More recently, in 2023, Richard was appointed an Honorary King’s Counsel and in 2024 he was appointed Special Envoy for Justice and AI to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. He was promoted to CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the King's New Year Honours List 2025


11:20 - Navigating AI Regulation: What Insurance Professionals Need to Know

SPEAKER: TBC


11:45 - AI in Underwriting: Smarter Risk, Sharper Decisions

PENNY JONES
Responsible AI Lead - Zurich

Penny Jones is the Responsible AI Lead at Zurich Insurance UK. She’s a passionate advocate for the ethical use of AI and Analytics, always ready to offer guidance and advice on solutions that put customers and colleagues first. With over 25 years at Zurich in various roles, Penny has a unique insight into how AI can benefit both the customer and the business. She’s been instrumental in developing Zurich’s Global AI Assessment Framework, ensuring it meets ethical standards and legal requirements. Penny has also trained hundreds of colleagues worldwide, spreading the word about responsible AI.

Penny Jones is the Responsible AI Lead at Zurich Insurance UK. As a passionate advocate for ethical AI use, she offers guidance on solutions prioritising customers and colleagues. With over 25 years at Zurich, in various roles, Penny has unique insights into how AI benefits both customers and business. She has been instrumental in developing Zurich’s Global AI Assessment Framework, ensuring it meets ethical standards and legal requirements. Additionally, Penny has trained hundreds of colleagues worldwide, spreading awareness about responsible AI practices. She also focuses on helping colleagues build essential skills for the future, ensuring they are equipped to leverage AI technologies effectively and ethically in their roles.


12:15 - AI in Claims: Speed Service and Smarter Resolution

PAUL O'BRIEN
Group Chief AI Officer - Davies Group


12:45 - AI in Broking: From Data to Decisions

PHIL WILLIAMS
Group Chief Commercial Officer & Managing Director of Retail - Clear Group

Phil Williams is Group Chief Commercial Officer at Clear Group and MD of Retail business having originally joined as Group COO in April 2022. He joined from Simply Business, where he advanced to Managing Director MGA. Prior to that, Phil gained extensive experience working with Capita, Nationwide, and BGL Group. He currently serves on BIBA’s Larger Broker Advisory Board. Outside of work, Phil enjoys running and following football with his young family.


13:15 - Networking Lunch


14:15 - Shaping Our Future: Skills, Impact, and the Role of the CII in an AI World

YASMIN CARTER-ESDALE
CII Underwriting Community Board Member
Consultant - Elevate

Yasmin Carter-Esdale is an experienced insurance professional with 14 years of expertise spanning both broking and underwriting. Her career includes positions at specialist insurer Hiscox and global broker Gallagher. In 2022, Yasmin secured funding from LinkedIn to launch ELEV822, the first insurance-specific LinkedIn development programme, designed to help professionals enhance their personal brand and strengthen trading relationships. Following the successful launch, ELEV822 was rolled to select Chartered Insurance Institute local institutes and commercial partners where it continues to equip insurance professionals with the skills and strategies to maximise their personal brand within the insurance market. Yasmin is also a dedicated advocate for professional development, serving as Deputy Chair of the CII Underwriting Community, supporting over 9000 underwriters globally and as Partnerships Lead at iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network), where she drives key initiatives to foster greater inclusion within the insurance profession. Committed to empowering women in insurance, Yasmin actively promotes mentorship, professional development and networking opportunities. In recognition of her significant contributions and impact to the industry, Yasmin was named a 2023 finalist for the Insurance Woman of the Year.

THOMAS HEDGES
CII Underwriting Community Board Member
Portfolio Manager - White Horse Insurance

Thomas began his career in insurance in 2014. He has held several roles across Underwriting, Pricing, and Data in general and life insurance. He was the Underwriting team leader from the CII New Generation 2022/2023 programme and member of Munich Re's Oxygen accelerated leadership programme. Thomas recently joined White Horse Insurance and leads their Underwriting & Pricing Department. He joined the CII Underwriting Board in 2024 and recently became a Liveryman at the Worshipful Company of insurers, where he sits on the Livery Committee. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time on his many hobbies, with his young family, and serving at his local church.

WILLIAM QUIBELL
CII Claims Community Board Member
Head of Claims - Ageas UK

LAURA HANCOCK
CII Broking Community Board Member
Managing Director - Yutree Insurance

Laura started her insurance career with Norwich Union in 1995. She joined The Davis Group in 2004 as a Business Development Manager. When The Davis Group sold to Bluefin in 2007, Laura was appointed as Bluefin’s Director of Distribution. Laura is a qualified Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management with Cert CII accreditation. Having previously served on the main British Insurance Brokers Association’s (BIBA) board, Laura is now Chair of BIBA’s Insurance, Technology and Innovation Committee, and a member of BIBA’s Anglia regional committee and Insurance Broking Standards Committee. Laura also sits on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Broking Community Board, after having chaired it for the last 2 years.


15:00 - SESSION TBC

SPEAKER: TBC


15:30 - The Human Edge: Building Instant Connection in a Digital World

BEN HANLIN
Award-winning speaker, transforms audience engagement with insights from his viral TV magic and pranks

Hailing from Birmingham, Ben boasts an impressive career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry.In 2009, he made the bold decision to leave his conventional job and fully embrace his passion for magic. This led to the creation of his YouTube channel, where he embarked on captivating adventures, playfully interacting with celebrities through his enchanting tricks.One standout memory was his journey to Los Angeles in pursuit of Britney Spears, a cherished experience.Ben's captivating magic and engaging personality soon garnered attention,propelling him into the world of television. Hegraced screens on CBBC, the Discovery Channel's "Breaking Magic," and even hosted his own magic and prank show,"Tricked," on ITV2, earning recognition as the"Best Entertainment Show" at the Broadcast Digital Awards.As a live performer, one of his most cherished accomplishments was enchanting audiences in London's prestigious West End in productions like "The Illusionists" and"ITV's Live at The Palladium." His one-man shows received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with Theatre Weekly heralding it as "The best variety show of The Fringe!" in 2018.Recent years have witnessed Ben's pivot towards social media, a shift partially influenced by the initial impact of the pandemic. His magical talents have captivated billions of viewers worldwide,amassing a dedicated following of over 2 million online.Beyond his enchanting performances, Benhas channelled his entrepreneurial spirit intoco-founding a digital marketing firm located in the heart of Birmingham. He now covers key topics within his keynote speeches, which include: "Engagement & Connection" and"Mindset: Failing Forward, Resilience, Goal Setting". His speeches cover how he has summarised his magician mindset into a number of core skills.But, perhaps most importantly, when he's not immersed in his craft, Ben finds joy in spending quality time with his incredible wife and two young children.


16:15 - Drinks Reception and Networking


17:15 - Conference Concludes


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