AILO enters a new chapter as Members appoint Guy Vanner as Chief Executive Officer

The Association also confirms incorporation following Extraordinary General Meeting

The Association of International Life Offices (AILO) has announced the appointment of Guy Vanner as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the ratification of his appointment by Members at the Association’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), held alongside its Annual AILO CEO Summit in London in June.

Guy succeeds Bob Pain, who retires after nearly 8 years of leadership and service to AILO and 22 years in the international cross-border Life insurance sector.

To ensure a seamless transition, Bob and Guy will work together as Co-Chief Executive Officers throughout the summer, with Guy assuming full responsibility as Chief Executive Officer from 1 September 2026.

The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for AILO as it continues to evolve its role in supporting the cross-border Life insurance community through its three core service areas of Representation, Education and Insight.

Guy brings more than 30 years’ experience across the UK and international financial services markets. Best known for leading the development of AKG Financial Analytics into one of the sector’s most respected ratings and information businesses, he has worked extensively with cross-border Life insurers, platforms, discretionary fund managers and advisers throughout his career.

Speaking following his appointment, Guy Vanner said:

“AILO has an exceptional heritage and an increasingly important role to play in supporting the cross-border Life insurance sector. The Association has evolved significantly in recent years and has built a strong platform for the future. I am looking forward to working with our Members, Management Committee and Executive to continue strengthening AILO’s voice, delivering practical value and helping our sector respond confidently to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Having the opportunity to work alongside Bob over the coming months provides an invaluable opportunity to build on the strong relationships and momentum that already exist across the Association. It will ensure continuity for our Members while allowing us to continue delivering AILO’s ambitious plans for the future.”

AILO Chair Jeffrey More paid tribute to Bob Pain’s contribution to AILO.

He said:

“Bob has dedicated 8 years to AILO and has been instrumental in shaping both the Association and the wider cross-border Life insurance sector. Under his leadership, AILO has transformed from a traditional trade association into a modern, member-focused organisation, with a renewed purpose, stronger engagement and an expanded range of services that support organisations and individuals across our sector. On behalf of all our Members, I would like to thank Bob for his outstanding commitment and wish him every success in his retirement.”

Bob Pain added:

“It has been a privilege to serve AILO and work alongside so many dedicated Members, volunteers and colleagues over the years. I am incredibly proud of how the Association has evolved and the foundations that have been established for its future. I look forward to working alongside Guy over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover before he takes on the role in full from 1 September. I have every confidence that AILO will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

Members also approve incorporation

The Extraordinary General Meeting also marked another significant milestone in AILO’s continuing modernisation programme, with Members formally approving the incorporation of the Association as an Isle of Man company limited by guarantee.

The change strengthens AILO’s governance arrangements by providing the Association with its own legal identity and enhancing its long-term operational resilience. The new corporate structure is expected to become operational from 1 January 2027, aligning with AILO’s move to a calendar financial year.

The incorporation follows AILO’s wider transformation programme, which has included a refreshed brand, new strategic positioning under the Championing Life purpose, expanded education initiatives, enhanced insight capabilities and increased member engagement. Together, these developments reflect AILO’s commitment to continually evolving in line with the changing needs of the international cross-border Life insurance sector.

As AILO enters its next phase, the Association remains focused on helping its Members maximise their potential through collective representation, education and insight while continuing to champion the cross-border Life insurance sector for the benefit of all.