2025 SPEAKERS

ALLAH RAKHA SHEIKH

Madison Mutual, Chief Information Officer

Allah Rakha Sheikh is a highly accomplished IT leader and results-driven executive, having a wealth of experience spanning over 20+ years. His expertise extends across multiple fronts. From driving innovation in customer engagement, orchestrating product transformations, empowering employees, and optimizing IT operations. With a passion for instilling a culture grounded in ownership, teamwork, and accountability, he places significant emphasis on strategically repositioning IT from a cost center to a revenue generator aligned with broader business objectives. In his role as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Madison Mutual Insurance Company (MMIC), Sheikh is celebrated for his collaborative and empowering leadership approach. He is strongly devoted to cultivating a culture that values continuous improvement, fosters creativity, and instills a deep sense of responsibility within the IT department. Additionally, his unwavering commitment to talent development and mentorship has led to the creation of a motivated and high-performing team, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of technology within MMIC.

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: AI is here to stay: what are the operational considerations for investors? Do you have the right skill sets in your team to make the most of this new frontier? : 2:05 PM - 2:35 PM

CHESLEY BELCHER

VP of Treasury and FP&A, Builders Insurance

Chesley joined Builders in 2020 and is VP of Treasury and FP&A (including investments).  Prior to joining Builders, Chesley served various roles over an 11-year period at Voya Financial, with her last role as VP of Finance Strategy.  She has over 20 years’ experience in corporate finance. Chesley strives to ensure that Finance is viewed as a strategic business partner and puts a strong focus on process and collaboration.  She graduated from Georgia State University with a BBA in Accounting and is a green belt in Six Sigma. 

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: Balancing liquidity and yield: asset allocation in an era of uncertain interest rates and market volatility : 10:25 AM - 10:50 AM

KATHLEEN BIRRANE

Former Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Partner in Litigation and US Insurance Regulatory Practice Leader, DLA Piper

Kathleen is a partner at DLA Piper and leads the Firm’s US Insurance Regulatory Practice.  She served as the Maryland Insurance Commissioner from 2020 to 2024, was the inaugural Chair of the NAIC’s Innovation, Cybersecurity and Technology (H) Committee, and lead the solvency workstream of the NAIC’s Climate and Resiliency Task Force.  Kathleen is broadly recognized as a thought leader on complex insurance regulatory issues, including the responsible and ethical use of AI Systems and complex predictive models in the business of insurance. She was the primary author of the NAIC’s Model Bulletin on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Insurers, which sets out regulatory guidance and expectations regarding the development and deployment of certain advanced analytical and computational technologies by insurers.  Kathleen also works closely with the Firm’s private equity and structured finance practices in advising clients on issues related to the regulatory oversight of insurer assets and investments.

My session title:

• FIRESIDE CHAT Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in insurance in the light of NAIC recent activity : 9:55 AM - 10:25 AM

LAURA SARLO

Former Portfolio Manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Laura Sarlo was an Emerging Markets Portfolio Manager at Liberty Mutual Investments (LMI), managing hard currency emerging markets bond portfolios as well as local currency portfolios supporting Liberty’s global operations. Laura joined LMI from Loomis, Sayles & Company, where she worked on global portfolios as a sovereign analyst, managed a multi-asset portfolio, and served as a senior member of the firm’s macro strategies team. Laura began her career as a trader and analyst on the foreign exchange and Treasury open market desks at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Laura is active in investment and insurance industry groups, serving on the board of NABE (National Association for Business Economics) Boston and having chaired the Insurance Women’s Investment Network. She holds a BA from Drew University, a Master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School, and is a CFA charterholder.

My session title:

• ‘TALKING TABLES’: DISCUSSING MARKET TRENDS AND IMPACTS - Emerging markets: the risks and rewards : 11:25 AM - 12:35 PM
• PANEL DISCUSSION: Risk management: how can you manage the unpredictable, adopt forward thinking strategies and build resilience into your portfolio? : 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM (Moderator)

LIZ GORGOGLIONE

Director, Credit Risk - Pension Risk Transfer Solutions, Legal and General Retirement America

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: AI is here to stay: what are the operational considerations for investors? Do you have the right skill sets in your team to make the most of this new frontier? : 2:05 PM - 2:35 PM (Moderator)
• PANEL DISCUSSION: Risk management: how can you manage the unpredictable, adopt forward thinking strategies and build resilience into your portfolio? : 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

MAHIR RASHEED

Vice President, Senior Economist, Swiss Re

Mahir is a Senior Economist in the Swiss Re Institute responsible for research and analysis on the global economy, with a focus on the US. In his role, he leads the formulation of global macroeconomic forecasts and scenarios for the Group. He is a contributor and lead author on sigma reports – Swiss Re's flagship research series on the insurance industry and macroeconomic trends. He also supports Swiss Re's strategic planning and asset allocation through baseline forecasting and scenario analysis. He produces a monthly economic and financial risk newsletter covering the latest market developments and changes in the economic environment that is available publicly on Swiss Re's website.  

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: Balancing liquidity and yield: asset allocation in an era of uncertain interest rates and market volatility : 10:25 AM - 10:50 AM

NATALIE BURKART

Managing Director, Global Research & Strategy, Allstate

Natalie works closely with Allstate Investments’ leaders and portfolio managers on strategic investment decisions, process improvements, resource allocation and other aspects of our Investments business. She also leads the Public Asset group’s research analysts.

Natalie joined Allstate in 2006 as a senior analyst in investment grade research and has taken on roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to her current role, she was Allstate Investments’ group head of investment grade and municipal research.

Before joining Allstate, Natalie spent over five years at PPM America working in the Credit Analysis group. Natalie started her career in 1997 at LaSalle Bank in the credit analyst training program.

Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, from the University of Arizona and her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

My session title:

• ‘TALKING TABLES’: DISCUSSING MARKET TRENDS AND IMPACTS - The risk and implications of over-crowding in private markets : 11:25 AM - 11:35 AM

NOEL HILLMANN

Chief Executive Officer, Clear Path Analysis

My session title:

• CHAIRMAN'S OPENING ADDRESS : 9:00 AM - 9:05 AM
• FIRESIDE CHAT Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in insurance in the light of NAIC recent activity : 9:55 AM - 10:25 AM (Moderator)
• FIRESIDE CHAT: Capital under pressure: surplus stress tests for investors : 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Moderator)

PETER KRAMPER

Head of Investment Risk Management, Mutual of Omaha

Paul Kramper currently serves as Head of Investment Risk at Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company.  Prior to serving as Head of Investment Risk, Paul served in several roles within the Investment Department, Head of Investment Operations, SVP of Public Fixed Income Markets and VP of Structured Securities.  Prior to joining Mutual of Omaha, Paul worked in structured produced at HSBC Securities and Banc of America Securities.  Outside of work, Paul is an assistant coach of high school track and cross country teams.  Paul graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Economics from Marquette University.

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: AI is here to stay: what are the operational considerations for investors? Do you have the right skill sets in your team to make the most of this new frontier? : 2:05 PM - 2:35 PM

POOJA RAHMAN

Former Chief Risk Officer, Independent

Ms. Rahman has more than two decades of risk, finance, and legal experience in insurance and investments. She most recently served as Chief Risk Officer for Transamerica and Protective Life, respectively. Prior to that, Ms. Rahman spent nearly 8 years with New York Life Insurance Company. Her experience also includes working for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Aviva, Iowa Insurance Division, and Principal Financial Group.

Ms. Rahman is a member of the National Board of Directors of Easterseals and chairs the board’s Audit Committee. She also serves as Trustee of the YMCA Retirement Fund. 

Ms. Rahman earned a JD from Drake University Law School, an MBA from the University of New Orleans, and a BCom in Accounting from the University of Mumbai, India.

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: Risk management: how can you manage the unpredictable, adopt forward thinking strategies and build resilience into your portfolio? : 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

RANDY BROWN

Chief Investment Officer, Sun Life Financial

Randy Brown is Chief Investment Officer of Sun Life, parent company of SLC Management. He manages Sun Life’s General Account globally across diversified portfolios, including public and private fixed income, real estate equity and debt, and infrastructure equity. Randy also leads the Office of the CIO. Under his leadership, the group works across the firm to enhance performance measurement and risk monitoring capabilities and increase the utilization of capital-efficient investment vehicles.

Randy is a member of both the SLC Management Executive Committee and the Sun Life Leadership Team. He is also the Executive Sponsor of SLC Management’s Sustainable Investment Program and a member of Sun Life’s International Sustainability Council, which is responsible for implementing the global sustainability plan. He additionally serves on the Board of Directors for several of our affiliate companies, including Crescent Capital Group, BGO and InfraRed Capital Partners.

Randy joined the firm at the start of 2016 and has nearly four decades of investment management expertise at highly respected global financial firms. Randy has held senior roles at Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, most recently as Global Head of Insurance and Pension Solutions, and as Head of Asset and Wealth Management for the U.K. region.

My session title:

• PANEL DISCUSSION: Balancing liquidity and yield: asset allocation in an era of uncertain interest rates and market volatility : 10:25 AM - 10:50 AM (Moderator)

SCOTT WATERSTREDT

Senior Portfolio Manager- Insurance Portfolios, Bayview Asset Management

Scott Waterstredt joined Bayview in 2024 as a Senior Portfolio Manager and Managing Director in the Insurance Asset Management group.  He leads the Residential Mortgage and Private ABS strategies for Insurance clients.  Prior to joining Bayview, he had several roles managing Residential Credit, Structured Products, Private ABS, and Alternatives portfolios including serving as the Chief Investment Officer at Sylvan Road Capital and as a Managing Director at MetLife. Mr. Waterstredt spent 13 years at MetLife and managed over $40B in capital across both internal and external client portfolios in Residential Mortgages, RMBS, Private ABS, Single Family Rental debt and Alternatives.  Prior to his investment career, he served in the U.S. Army both in the United States and abroad where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Mr. Waterstredt holds an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a B.A. in Economics from The University of Notre Dame.

My session title:

• FIRESIDE CHAT: Integrating private assets into asset allocation: what are the factors to consider in maximising returns and minimising risks when diversifying your portfolio? : 1:30 PM - 2:05 PM (Moderator)

SIMONA MOCUTA

Chief Economist and Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors

Simona Mocuta is the Chief Economist of State Street Global Advisors. In this role, she helps shape the team's views on key global economic developments and trends, produces forecasts and analysis for the G7 economies and key emerging markets, and presents these views to internal investment teams, clients, and the media. She produces thought leadership articles on a wide range of macroeconomic topics and is a regular speaker at financial industry events. Simona is the current chair of the Economic Advisory Committee of the American Bankers Association and is a member of the Board of Economic Advisors for The Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

 Prior to joining State Street, Simona led the Asia macroeconomic practice at IHS Global Insight, where she oversaw the team's long-term economic forecasts and risk assessments for Asian countries and led the enhancement of the China Regional Economic Service.

Simona holds a Master's degree in International Economics from Suffolk University in Boston, MA, and an undergraduate degree in International Economic Relations from West University of Timisoara, Romania.

My session title:

• PRESENTATION: Long term economic effects of a Trump administration: winners and losers, international investment outlooks and mapping the intended and unintended consequences : 9:05 AM - 9:45 AM

VINAYA SHARMA

Actuary, QRM

Vinaya Sharma is a Managing Director at QRM and Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. He has been involved in a variety of roles including asset and liability modeling, capital management, forecasting, stress testing, and portfolio optimization.

My session title:

• ‘TALKING TABLES’: DISCUSSING MARKET TRENDS AND IMPACTS - How focused are you on a company LDI strategy vis-à-vis focusing on asset risk and opportunity independent of LDI? : 11:25 AM - 1:35 PM

XIAOWEI HAN

Vice President, Head of ALM , TIAA

Xiaowei Han joined TIAA as the Head of ALM in February 2019, where she leads the asset liability management function. Her team focuses on liability-driven investment strategies, interest rate risk management, economic capital framework, dividend optimization, stress testing, asset and derivatives modeling, economic scenario generation, and supporting various corporate initiatives.

Before joining TIAA, Xiaowei worked for Transamerica since 2008, gaining deep experience in variable and fixed annuities, universal life, retirement & pension, and institutional businesses. She led the universal life valuation and modeling functions and also headed the Enterprise ALM function, which focused on holistic hedging, ALM analytics and strategies, capital management, asset and derivatives modeling, and ALM reporting across all lines of business. Prior to this, she worked as a Financial Risk Manager responsible for identifying financial risk in ALM/hedging strategies, modeling, and pricing related to annuities, retirement, and institutional businesses. Her other responsibilities at Transamerica included managing general account investments and hedging programs, liquidity management, designing and implementing variable annuity hedging strategies, reinsurance, capital initiatives, as well as statutory reporting for variable and fixed annuities.

Xiaowei holds a Master of Science degree in actuarial science from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science degree in physical chemistry from Nanjing University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Nanjing University. Additionally, she attained the following designations: Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), Chartered Financial Analyst

(CFA®) charter holder, and Member of American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

My session title:

• FIRESIDE CHAT: Integrating private assets into asset allocation: what are the factors to consider in maximising returns and minimising risks when diversifying your portfolio? : 1:30 PM - 2:05 PM

ZHENG ZHOU

Director - Investment Risk Management, North Western Mutual

Zheng Zhou joined Northwestern Mutual in 2013. He is a Director on the Investment Risk Management team. Zheng chairs the Derivative Committee, and his other responsibilities at Northwestern Mutual include providing modeling support in Strategic Asset Allocation, Surplus and Economic Capital management, and Asset Liability Management. Outside of work, Zheng serves on the Board of Directors of St. Francis Children's Center and the Finance Advisory Board of the Finance Department at Marquette University.

Zheng holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is a CFA and FRM charterholder.

My session title:

• FIRESIDE CHAT: Capital under pressure: surplus stress tests for investors : 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• PANEL DISCUSSION: Risk management: how can you manage the unpredictable, adopt forward thinking strategies and build resilience into your portfolio? : 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM