SOA Taps Tech Visionary to Helm Actuarial Profession's AI Future

CHICAGO, IL – March 25, 2026 – The Society of Actuaries (SOA), the world's largest professional organization for actuaries, has named Clar Rosso as its next chief executive officer. The appointment, effective May 4, 2026, signals a strategic shift for the 137-year-old institution as it prepares to navigate an era defined by artificial intelligence, global expansion, and a critical talent shortage.

Rosso will succeed Greg Heidrich, who is retiring after a distinguished 19-year tenure that saw the organization through a period of significant growth and stability. The announcement follows a comprehensive global search for a leader capable of guiding the profession through its next evolution.

A Proven Architect of Growth

Clar Rosso brings a formidable track record of transformative leadership from outside the traditional actuarial sphere. Most recently, as CEO of the cybersecurity professional association ISC2, she presided over a period of unprecedented expansion, growing the membership from 158,000 to nearly 700,000 worldwide. A key part of that success was the launch of an innovative entry-level cybersecurity certification, which brought over 63,000 new professionals into the fold in just two years.

Her career is marked by a consistent focus on global strategy and digital transformation. Prior to ISC2, Rosso held executive roles at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA), where she spearheaded market growth across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This experience in scaling global credentialing bodies and advancing professional education was a key factor in her selection.

"The SOA Board and I are confident that Clar's experience leading global credentialing organizations and advancing professional education will help guide the SOA as we continue to strengthen the actuarial profession, expand our global impact and serve our members," said Dave Dillon, SOA Board President and Chair.

Navigating a Profession in Transition

Rosso takes the helm at a pivotal moment. The actuarial profession, long the bedrock of the insurance and finance industries, is facing a paradigm shift. The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming the very nature of actuarial work. AI and machine learning are automating routine calculations and data processing, enabling actuaries to tackle more complex problems and provide deeper strategic insights. However, this technological wave demands a new set of skills. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, data science methodologies, and AI governance are quickly becoming essential, shifting the actuary's role from pure computation to strategic interpretation and oversight.

Simultaneously, the profession is grappling with a deepening global talent crisis. The rigorous and lengthy examination process, which can take up to a decade to complete, creates a high barrier to entry. This, combined with intense competition for quantitative talent from the data science and tech sectors, has made attracting and retaining new actuaries a significant challenge. The issue is compounded by an impending wave of retirements from the profession's senior ranks, creating a vacuum of experience and leadership.

The Strategic Mandate: AI, Global Growth, and Talent

Rosso's appointment is directly aligned with the SOA's strategic plan, which focuses on three core priorities: leveraging AI, expanding globally, and optimizing the candidate pipeline. Her background appears tailor-made to execute this vision.

Her success in creating accessible entry points into the cybersecurity field at ISC2 provides a compelling blueprint for how the SOA might address its talent pipeline issues. By potentially streamlining pathways and better communicating the value of an actuarial career, the organization hopes to attract a new generation of professionals.

Furthermore, her experience driving growth in emerging markets for AICPA & CIMA will be critical to the SOA's global ambitions. While mature markets face a need to replace retiring actuaries, demand is surging in developing economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America that currently lack sufficient training infrastructure. Rosso's expertise will be instrumental in establishing the SOA's footprint and influence in these high-growth regions.

Her leadership in the tech-centric world of cybersecurity also positions her to champion the SOA's push into artificial intelligence. The organization's plan involves not just helping members adapt to AI but actively leveraging it to enhance professional development and create innovative tools that support their expertise.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The transition comes as the SOA stands on solid ground, a testament to the long leadership of outgoing CEO Greg Heidrich. During his tenure, Heidrich is credited with expanding the SOA's credentialing to cover all actuarial disciplines with the General Insurance track, establishing the influential SOA Research Institute, and modernizing the organization's educational pathways to provide more flexibility for candidates. His focus on operational excellence has left the organization in a strong financial and strategic position.

In his statement, Dave Dillon also acknowledged the outgoing CEO's legacy: "On behalf of the SOA Board, I also want to thank Greg for his many contributions and years of meaningful service to the SOA and the actuarial profession."

As she prepares to take the role, Rosso herself acknowledged the unique challenges and opportunities ahead. Her leadership, blending expertise from the fast-paced worlds of technology and global accounting with the storied traditions of the actuarial field, represents a bold step forward for the organization.

"I'm pleased to join the SOA and work closely with the Board, staff and membership," said Rosso. "It is an exciting time at the SOA as global growth intersects with rapidly evolving technology. I look forward to bringing my experience and perspective to continue building on the organization's momentum."