Episode 33: Sustainability and Leveraging AI

Join guest host Chris Carril with guests Matt Blakely and Dr. Jeff Heaton as they discuss RGA’s sustainability efforts, responsibility to its community and stakeholders, and leveraging AI to help in those efforts. Matt Blakely leads RGA’s global philanthropic, volunteerism, and sustainability reporting efforts. Since joining RGA in 2020, Matt and his team have developed and executed enterprise strategies that have enhanced the company’s environmental sustainability and corporate citizenship. As of 2024, more than 60% of RGA employees participate in volunteerism, philanthropy, or sustainability causes. Additionally, RGA offsets 90% of its 2023 Scope 1 and 2 emissions globally.  Jeff Heaton, Vice President, AI Innovation, has over 23 years of experience in insurance underwriting, retrocession, and predictive analytics. He leads a team focused on fueling generative AI (GenAI) innovation across RGA, chairs the AI Council, and provides global advisory expertise on AI adoption. A recognized industry thought leader, Jeff publishes the RGA GenAI Quarterly Update and frequently speaks at SOA, GUAA, and IEEE events. He represents RGA as a board member of Washington University’s Center for Analytics and Business Insights (CABI) and has contributed to academic and medical research.