Ludovic Bayard Interview: One Year CEO at GEB – How Hot Is Too Hot for the Human Body? – BMI No Longer Key Measure of Obesity – Which Body Organs Are Most at Risk During a Heat Wave?

In the July-August 2023 issue: Ludovic Bayard Interview – One Year CEO at GEB How Hot Is Too Hot for the Human Body? – W. Larry Kenney, Daniel Vecellio, Rachel Cottle, S. Tony Wolf BMI No Longer Key Measure of Obesity – Scott Hogan Which Body Organs Are Most at Risk During a Heat Wave? – Pieter Vancamp

The healthcare sector has been a focal point of economic discussions for years, with medical costs consistently on the rise. Recent data from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans 2023 has shed light on this escalating issue, revealing that US employers anticipate a 5.4% surge in health benefit costs per employee in 2024. This projection comes even after employers have made adjustments to their plans to curtail this

In a recent report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on September 20, 2023, the global economic landscape is analyzed, shedding light on the current economic dynamics and projecting the trends for the years 2023 and 2024. The report, which can be accessed here, presents a detailed analysis of the global economic scenario, emphasizing the challenges of confronting inflation and sustaining growth. Global Economic Outlook

In a world where financial boundaries are constantly blurring, understanding the nuances of global capital allocation has never been more critical. The recent NBER research report by Sergio Florez-Orrego, Matteo Maggiori, Jesse Schreger, Ziwen Sun, and Serdil Tinda sheds light on this intricate landscape, offering a road map for future research and policy implications. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this comprehensive study. The Surge in Cross-Border Investments

Seasonal allergies, a common adversary for many, have far-reaching implications that extend beyond sneezes and itchy eyes. A groundbreaking study titled “Invisible Killer: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents” by Mika Akesaka and Hitoshi Shigeoka delves deep into the unseen repercussions of pollen exposure, unveiling a peril that is more significant than previously perceived. The Underestimated Impact of Pollen Traditionally, the societal cost of pollen exposure has been measured in terms

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, driven primarily by the misuse of antibiotics. This issue is explored in-depth in an OECD report, which reveals critical insights and potential consequences of unchecked AMR. Key Points: Global Antibiotic Consumption: Over the past two decades, the use of antibiotics in humans has moderately increased in OECD and EU/EEA countries but significantly surged in non-OECD G20 nations. Notably, the consumption of

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanna Hicks and Nathan Dewhurst as Member Managers, reinforcing their commitment to providing top-notch support to network members across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions. Suzanna Hicks, who joined MAXIS GBN in July 2023, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at AXA Health. With five years as a Care Coordination Pathway

September 9, 2023 – In a thought-provoking research paper titled “Retirement Consumption and Pension Design,” the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) delves into the intricacies of retirement planning and pension structures. This study, authored by Jonas Kolsrud, Camille Landais, Daniel Reck & Johannes Spinnewijn, offers valuable insights into how individuals’ retirement consumption patterns are influenced by the design of pension systems. The Research Paper The full research paper can be accessed here,

In a recent report by AM Best, titled “Life/Annuity Reinsurers Remain Prepared for Growth,” global life reinsurers are seen weathering the storm of excess mortality with cautious optimism. Despite facing challenges due to elevated life claims, the industry appears poised for continued growth. The report, part of AM Best’s comprehensive analysis of the global reinsurance industry leading up to the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, highlights several key

Updated: September 5, 2023 The latest data from the OECD reveals that year-on-year inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), saw a notable uptick, reaching 5.9% in July 2023. This represents an increase from the 5.7% recorded in June and marks the first rise since October 2022. The primary driver behind this increase in inflation was a sharp surge in inflation in Türkiye. However, when excluding Türkiye

Aon plc, a global professional services firm, has recently released its 2022-2023 Global Wellbeing Survey, shedding light on significant disparities in employee well being risks between the UK and other regions. The survey, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS, gathered insights from HR and reward leaders across 46 countries and various industries. Here’s an overview of the key findings and their implications. Mental Health and Burnout Take Center Stage Mental

In a strategic move to streamline its operations, German airline Lufthansa is reportedly considering the sale of its in-house insurer Delvag and insurance broker Albatros attracting significant attention in the aviation industry and financial markets. Lufthansa’s decision to explore the sale of these insurance subsidiaries comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to focus on its core aviation business. By divesting these non-core assets, the airline aims to

Paolo Marchiori has been named as the first Country Manager for Spain, Portugal, and Italy by Generali Employee Benefits (GEB) in July 2023. A veteran of Generali, Paolo started his career at Generali in 2005 as a Pool Captive Administrator and over the past 18 years has been across the globe: his experience ranges from being Area Manager Eastern Region USA/Canada, to Regional Business Development Manager Southern Europe and

The latest report from the OECD reveals that in the second quarter of 2023, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of its member countries experienced a moderate growth of 0.4% on a quarter-on-quarter basis. This increase, while positive, represents a slight deceleration compared to previous quarters. Despite this, some individual member states demonstrated notable growth in this period. For instance, Japan’s GDP surged by 1.5%, a significant improvement from the

G20 merchandise trade faced a contraction in value during the second quarter of 2023, when compared to the previous quarter, measured in current US dollars. Both exports and imports experienced declines of 3.1% and 2.0% respectively. This decline can be attributed to subdued global demand and the decreasing prices of commodities, especially energy products. The drop in energy prices had a significant impact on North America’s trade value, leading

In an era defined by remote work and boundless connectivity, the rise of digital nomads has transformed the way people work and live. These globe-trotting individuals leverage technology to work from anywhere, embracing a lifestyle that offers freedom and exploration. However, with this freedom comes the need for a safety net that ensures their well-being and financial security, and this is where digital insurance steps in. Digital nomads are

Zurich Integrated Benefits (ZIB) in August 2023 announced it would host its conference in London, UK, from September 6 – 8, 2023. Are you a Compensation and Benefits specialist, or Risk Manager working for a multinational company? Are you interested in finding out what the next trends for employee benefits are? If you haven’t received an ‘official invite’ via email and would like to attend, then please reach out

Zurich Global Employee Benefits Solutions (ZGEBS) has made a groundbreaking announcement by launching an ‘Underwriting Year’ customer reporting capability. This move comes in response to increasing customer demand, showcasing ZGEBS’s commitment to innovation. As a part of Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.’s business unit Zurich Integrated Benefits, ZGEBS is positioned to provide comprehensive expertise in employee benefits globally. The newly introduced ‘Underwriting Year’ information empowers global employee benefit customers to

Luxembourg’s leading insurer Foyer in July 2023 announced the completion of the acquisition of iPMI carrier Globality from ERGO Group, after receiving approval from the regulator, Commissariat aux Assurances. The new company includes Foyer Global Health, the international health insurance and services provider for globally mobile people within Foyer Group, and Globality Health, previously part of ERGO Group, which in turn is owned by Munich Re. Foyer Global Health

Voluntary Benefits – Multinational Clients Require Thoughtful Solutions – Richard “RAE” Egleston Long COVID puts some people at higher risk of heart disease – Mortality from COVID is lower than its impact on morbidity – Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during the pandemic – Another COVID winter is coming – Tracking health care’s global environmental impact

In the April 2023 issue: Voluntary Benefits – Multinational Clients Require Thoughtful Solutions – Richard “RAE” Egleston R&D: Long COVID puts some people at higher risk of heart disease – John Donne Potter Mortality from COVID is lower than its impact on morbidity – Philip Clarke, Jack Pollard, Mara Violato Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during the pandemic – Sydney Hartman-Munick Another COVID winter is coming

In the March 2023 issue: Interview Mattieu Rouot, CEO MAXIS GBN R&D: Health Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness Hilary A. Marusak Long-Haul Flights and Your Body Tony Schiemer Food Microbes and Cancer Gissel Marquez Alcaraz, Athena Aktipis What Is A Gig Job? David Weil Sitting All Day Is Bad For Your Health Keith Diaz

Interview Mattieu Rouot, CEO MAXIS GBN; Health Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness – Long-Haul Flights and Your Body – Food Microbes and Cancer – What Is A Gig Job? – Sitting All Day Is Bad For Your Health

Foyer, Luxembourg’s leading privately owned financial group, in March 2023 acquired Globality Health from ERGO Reiseversicherung (Ergo Travel Insurance), part of ERGO Group. ERGO is the retail division of Munich Re. Leadership in international health insurance With this acquisition, Foyer is investing in a high-potential business sector and strengthening its position in international health insurance for expatriates, an activity it has developed since 2014 through Foyer Global Health. Globality’s

Zurich Global Employee Benefits Solutions (ZGEBS) in February 2023 announced the appointment of Dag Zwikker as Regional Distribution Manager for the Nordics and the Benelux markets, based in Zurich, Switzerland. ZGEBS is part of Zurich Integrated Benefits, which brings together the various Zurich businesses providing global employee benefits, including cross-border corporate savings and risk solutions. In a way, it is back to the roots for Dag as he started

Generali Employee Benefits (GEB) in February 2023 announced the appointment of François-Xavier Dub as its new General Manager, reporting to GEB CEO Ludovic Bayard. François-Xavier Dub was since 2019 Head of Insurance within the Partnerships division at Generali France. He began his career in 2008, within the General Inspectorate of Société Générale, before joining the strategy consulting firm Exton Consulting in 2010, first as a senior consultant and then