ACORD, the global standards-setting body for the insurance industry, has announced its 2026 board of directors, which will be chaired by Robert Kelly AM, founder, managing director and CEO of Steadfast Group Limited.
Kevin Tobin (External Director) will serve as Vice Chairman. The Board of Directors consists of 18 members, including 7 new directors.
“As the global insurance industry faces changes in technology and talent, ACORD remains committed to serving, engaging and listening to our members,” said Tanya Krochta, executive vice president, chief operating officer and acting CEO of ACORD. “Our new and returning board members represent a diversity of perspectives and experiences that will ensure our members, and the industry as a whole, are prepared for the future.”
In addition to Kelly and Tobin, returning members of the ACORD Board of Directors include Colleen Batman, Clyde Bernstein, Richard Brame, Michael Jones, John Kellington, Pascal Lehmann, Christian Schaffer, Charles Symington and Abel Travis.
New directors include James Bobbitt, managing director of London Insurance Market Operations and Strategic Sourcing (LIMOSS). He has over 30 years’ experience in the London insurance market, including the past seven years with LIMOSS. Previously, he worked for Lloyd’s of London for over 17 years, most recently as Operations Support Manager.
International Underwriting Association (IUA) CEO Christopher Jones also joins the ACORD Board of Directors. He has been with the IUA for 25 years and has been its CEO since May 2025.
Michael Keating is Chief Executive of the General Agents Association (MGAA), a position he has held since September 2020. Prior to this, he served as Chief Development Officer of Qlaims Limited.
Andrew Kramer is Vice President of Underwriting Risk and Innovation at M Financial Group and has more than 30 years of experience in the life insurance, reinsurance and bancassurance industries. He has been with M Financial Group for the past five years.
Sandi Perillo-Simmons is AIG’s senior vice president and global head of data management and governance. She has more than 30 years of experience in software development and data management in the insurance industry, including at The Hartford, Travelers, Cigna and AMS Services (now Vertafore).
Travelers Executive Vice President of Corporate Distribution Sean Ramalho has thirty years of experience in the property and casualty insurance market, including nearly 20 years with Travelers. Previously, he served as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and field vice president of commercial insurance in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.
Finally, Kathleen Ziegler, Chief Operating Officer of AXA XL Americas, joins the Board of Directors. Ziegler has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, with an extensive background in start-ups and leading and transforming businesses. She previously served as senior vice president of operations for CopperPoint and served as distribution executive for Blackboard, a technology-focused subsidiary of AIG.
