Author Archive

Eric Muller-Borle

Eric Muller-Borle

Global Benefits Vision founder and expert in global compensation & employee benefits, global mobility and insurance at large. A former industry executive and management consultant, Eric leads a team dedicated to providing accurate, high value business information to today's practitioners.

In an increasingly globalized world, human resources (HR) professionals and risk managers of multinational companies face the growing challenge of managing employee well being and insurance strategies across borders. For companies with a global workforce, the rising costs of healthcare services and insurance premiums make it crucial to explore innovative and cost-efficient solutions that maintain or enhance the quality of care provided to employees. One such solution that has

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) has announced an exciting new initiative in partnership with Maven Clinic, the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family health. On 1 October 2024, MAXIS GBN launched a comprehensive educational toolkit designed to help multinational companies provide essential support to employees experiencing menopause symptoms. The new service, available to MAXIS GBN’s multinational clients, aims to create a menopause-friendly work environment by providing

In a strategic move aimed at driving innovation and addressing evolving market needs, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) has appointed Nicola Fordham as its new Chief Solutions Officer. This significant development was announced on 18 September 2024 and represents a fresh direction for the company’s approach to delivering solutions to multinational clients. Nicola Fordham, who previously held the position of Chief Underwriting Officer at MAXIS GBN, will now

London, 4 September 2024 – MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) proudly announces its latest partnership with Abi Global Health, a leading virtual care platform utilizing AI technology to connect individuals with healthcare professionals in under 40 seconds. This collaboration enables MAXIS GBN’s multinational clients to offer their employees immediate access to healthcare services, including physical and mental health support, via text, phone, or video consultations—anytime, anywhere. Abi’s cutting-edge

Zurich Global Employee Benefits Solutions (ZGEBS) has taken a bold step forward in its digital transformation journey, unveiling a suite of enhanced digital tools designed to streamline the way businesses manage global employee benefits. With new interactive dashboards, a dynamic online collaboration platform, and automated data transfer solutions, ZGEBS is setting a new standard for efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Innovation at the Core of Employee Benefits At the

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) proudly announces the appointment of Tamara Truta Amizic as the new Regional Business Development Manager for the West US and LATAM regions. In her new role, Tamara will spearhead outbound business initiatives, providing strategic leadership to the existing team, and fostering close collaboration with MAXIS’ esteemed clients and partners. With over two decades of experience in global employee benefits, Tamara brings unparalleled expertise

Adriana Scherzinger has a rich background in the insurance industry, which has been highlighted by her recent appointment as Zurich Insurance Group’s group head of captives. She has been with Zurich since 2005, having held various significant roles across different regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, and more recently in the U.S. and Switzerland​​. Scherzinger’s educational background includes an Executive MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil

Oscar Health, an American health insurance company known for its innovative approach, has signaled a strong position for growth in 2024. Founded in 2012, Oscar Health was created to simplify the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system through technology, data, and design. The company’s recent financial performance and strategic operations highlight its potential for profitability and expansion. Financial Milestones and Growth Indicators Oscar Health‘s CEO, Mark Bertolini, recently announced

Introduction: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Workforce Health The MAXIS GBN 2024 report illuminates the multifaceted influences of industry, culture, and gender on workforce health. Drawing from an extensive analysis of medical claims data, it reveals critical insights into how these elements shape health outcomes and healthcare costs. Industry Influence on Health: A Closer Look Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions emerge as a predominant concern, with spending on MSK care witnessing

In the latest quarter of 2023, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported a slight downturn in real household income per capita, marking a pivotal moment after a year of consistent growth. This shift, contrary to the 0.3% rise in real GDP per capita, unveils the intricate dynamics beneath the surface of economic indicators, spotlighting the diverse fiscal landscapes across member countries. The OECD’s analysis, aggregating data

In a strategic move to enhance its Business Development (BD) efforts across key global regions, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) proudly announces the appointments of Aaron Brown and Larry Howley as the new Regional Directors for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Americas regions, respectively. This announcement was made from London on 6 February 2024, marking a significant step in ensuring MAXIS GBN’s commitment to delivering

Mercer, a leading financial services company and a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan, has announced the appointment of Susan Potter as the new Region President for the United States and Canada, effective January 22. This strategic promotion follows her successful tenure as Chief Commercial Officer since 2019. Potter’s promotion to this pivotal role comes at a time when Mercer is expanding its horizons, most notably with the planned acquisition of

London, 22 January 2024 In a groundbreaking move, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN), a pioneer in the corporate wellness arena, has announced a partnership with Maven Clinic, the world’s preeminent virtual clinic for women’s and family health. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in MAXIS GBN’s efforts to expand its wellness technology marketplace. The union between MAXIS GBN and Maven Clinic is poised to revolutionize healthcare offerings for

In a strategic move that reshapes the landscape of employee benefits and pension administration, Aptia has officially announced its launch. Formed by investment from Bain Capital Insurance, Aptia emerges as a formidable entity, boasting an impressive clientele of 1,100 global clients, thereby extending its services to support over 7 million individuals. A New Era in Benefits Administration? The firm is the result of a strategic acquisition of Mercer’s U.S.

Luxembourg, January 2024 – Mercer Marsh Benefits has announced the appointment of David Chalaoui as their new Growth Leader for Europe in Global Mobility Solutions. Chalaoui, who commenced his role in January 2024, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in business development and client relations within the European region. Prior to joining Mercer Marsh Benefits, Chalaoui had an extensive career at Swiss Life Global Solutions, where he served

As of October 2023, the OECD unemployment rate was 4.9%, remaining under 5.0% since July 2022​​. This stability is significant for the insurance and pensions sector as it indicates a relatively stable labor market. However, the number of unemployed persons reached 33.4 million, the highest in 2023. The disparity in unemployment rates among OECD countries is notable, with rates rising in 14 countries, unchanged in 9, and declining in

The OECD’s “Pensions at a Glance 2023” report presents a detailed analysis of pension systems, demographic trends, and policy reforms among its G20 member countries. Here’s GBV’s comprehensive analysis based on the key findings from the report: 1. Pension Reforms and Retirement Age Adjustments Increasing Retirement Ages: Many OECD countries continue to increase retirement ages. For example, Sweden raised its retirement age and linked it to two-thirds of life-expectancy

In a significant turn of events, Cigna Group has ceased its efforts to merge with fellow health-insurance provider Humana. Initially poised to form a colossal entity valued at approximately $140 billion, the deal’s dissolution arose primarily due to disagreements over financial terms. Despite prior discussions hinting at a possible closure by year’s end, the proposed cash-and-stock transaction faced skepticism, particularly concerning the use of Cigna’s stock as a part

The comprehensive analysis of the “Vitality in America” study, commissioned by The Cigna Group, reveals crucial insights into the state of vitality among Generation Z and other American adults. This study, conducted in June 2023, surveyed 10,000 adults and used the Evernorth Vitality Index (EVI) to measure health and well-being across eight dimensions: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. Generation Z’s Vitality Metrics Mental Health Challenges

In a landmark move, IBM has redefined its retirement strategy, signaling a potential trend for corporate America. Our analysis reveals IBM’s pivot from traditional pension accruals to a novel approach, blending cash balance benefits with a pay increase and pay credit system. This shift, executed amid a climate of peak pension fund health, showcases IBM’s innovative use of surplus assets for future benefits. The new scheme phases out the

In a landmark move for the Italian insurance sector, energy giant Enel has confirmed the establishment of its first onshore captive insurance company, set to commence operations on January 1, 2024. This strategic decision involves merging Enel Insurance NV, currently based in the Netherlands, into this innovative Italian reinsurance captive. This pivotal step reflects a growing confidence among major Italian corporations in the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the

Swiss Life, a prominent player in the life insurance and financial services sector, has unveiled pivotal transitions within its Group Executive Board slated for 2024. After an 18-year tenure, including a decade as the Group CEO, Patrick Frost is set to resign from his role, making way for Matthias Aellig, the incumbent Group CFO, to ascend as the new Group CEO from 16 May 2024. Reflecting on his decision,

The landscape of global medical expenses is undergoing significant changes. The WTW 2024 Global Medical Trends Survey, encompassing insights from 266 insurers across 66 countries, provides critical data on these shifts. This comprehensive study highlights key trends in medical costs, including a projected near double-digit increase in 2024, albeit a decline from the 2023 highs. Let’s delve into the factors influencing these trends and their implications. Decline in Medical

GBV summary and Key Findings Stability in Unemployment Rate: The OECD unemployment rate remained stable at 4.8% in September 2023, consistently staying below 5.0% since July 2022. This period saw an increase in the number of unemployed persons in the OECD, reaching 33.3 million, with a notable rise in unemployed men​​. Category-wise Stability and Youth Unemployment Concerns: Unemployment rates were broadly stable across all defined categories: men, women, youth

In a move that could reshape the health insurance landscape, industry giants Cigna and Humana are reportedly in advanced discussions for a monumental merger. This deal, valued at an estimated $140 billion, is poised to create a new leader in the health insurance sector. We delve into the implications of this potential merger and how it could redefine competitive dynamics in the industry. The Merger: A Strategic Game-Changer Cigna

GBV’s Summary of OECD Consumer Price Index and Headline Inflation Rates Report – November 2023 Key Findings: General Trend of Inflation: The OECD headline inflation eased slightly to 6.2% in September 2023, down from 6.4% in August. This change follows previous increases in July and August. Inflation decreased in 27 OECD countries but rose in 8, including significant rises in Spain, Costa Rica, Slovenia, and Türkiye. Notably, Türkiye, Hungary,

The O.C. Tanner 2024 Global Culture Report provides insightful data and perspectives on workplace culture and the evolving employee-employer relationship. Here’s GBV’s comprehensive summary focusing on the changes in these areas: Workplace Flexibility Increasing Flexibility and Fairness: The report highlights a trend towards more flexible work environments, emphasizing the need to make this flexibility equitable across different roles​​. Employee Expectations and Benefits of Flexibility: Employees are not necessarily seeking