The second meeting of AXA’s Stakeholder Advisory Panel took place in Paris on October 26-27, 2015. Seven of the eight panelists were in attendance (one was unable to attend), alongside Henri de Castries (Chairman & CEO of AXA), Denis Duverne (Deputy CEO of AXA), Christian Thimann (Group Head of Strategy, Sustainability & Public Affairs and Member of the Executive Committee) and Simon Clow (Group Head of Stakeholder Engagement). Also present were Aron Cramer (the panel’s independent moderator) and Guillaume Borie (the panel secretary).
During the meeting, discussions were held on the following topics:
- Smart data: The panel discussed the use of ‘smart data’ and its possible impact on mutualization. Panelists gave their opinion on how data could be used to improve services and incentives to customers. An overview was also given of AXA’s recently-adopted Data Privacy Statement.
- Health insurance: Panelists discussed the future of health insurance – in particular the need for greater transparency and the increasing focus on ‘health outcomes’ rather than treatment. During the discussion, panelists stressed the importance of risk prevention in reducing healthcare costs.
- Emerging customers: The panel discussed opportunities for AXA among consumers in emerging markets. Discussions focused on the significance of national regulatory frameworks in determining ‘scalability’, and the need to offer products adapted to customers’ requirements in these markets.
- Responsible investment: Panelists were provided with an update on AXA’s approach to responsible investment, following the company’s decision in May to divest from coal. During the discussion, panelists highlighted opportunities for AXA in working with other investors on social and environmental issues.
- Climate resilience: With COP21 just a few weeks away, the panel discussed AXA’s approach to climate change and, in particular, the importance of urban resilience. Panelists discussed the positive role insurers can play in strengthening resilience to the effects of climate change among both cities and small businesses.
During the October meeting, panelists were also provided with a further update on AXA’s vision, strategy and corporate responsibility plan for 2020.