When Business Insurance launched the Women to Watch Awards 20 years ago, we could not have imagined how successful the program would become.

What we did know was that women were underrepresented in senior roles across the insurance and risk management sector, and we wanted to shine a light on the many accomplished women already leading the way and, in doing so, help promote greater female advancement.

Since then, we have honored more than 700 women, celebrating and profiling their achievements. Over the years, the program has grown from a magazine feature to include a live presentation, first in Chicago and then New York, and more recently to events on both sides of the Atlantic as we expanded the program internationally.

What has not changed is the integrity of the process. Like past years, the 2025 Women to Watch were selected through a months-long process that began with a call for nominations. We received more than 270 submissions, which detailed the nominees’ expertise, leadership qualities and achievements.

The Business Insurance editorial team reviewed all the nominations. Finalists were chosen after two rounds of judging. After reading written references and speaking with other references, we named 25 winners from North America and 25 from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In addition, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards, this year we selected 10 Iconic Leaders from past winners who have gone on to develop extraordinary careers (see profiles here).

We hope you enjoy reading the profiles of all of the 2025 winners.