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Winnie Wong: Pioneering Leadership in Insurance Innovation with Growth Visions

Winnie Wong: Pioneering Leadership in Insurance Innovation with Growth Visions

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Winnie Wong, CEO & Executive Director

Winnie Wong

CEO & Executive Director

As the highest-ranking executive, a CEO & Executive Director serves as the primary decision-maker and leader, responsible for setting the company's vision, mission, and goals, as well as implementing strategies to achieve them. Winnie Wong embodies the essence of effective business leadership as the CEO and Executive Director of both Asia Insurance, the largest domestic composite insurance company in Hong Kong, and Avo Insurance, pioneering the realm of virtual general insurance. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she brings a dynamic approach to driving innovation, fostering growth, and enhancing customer experiences within the insurance sector.

Winnie's professional journey is marked by significant achievements, notably her tenure as CEO of Aon Risk Solutions HK & Macau, where she specialized in providing comprehensive risk management and transfer solutions to diverse clientele. Her strategic insights and leadership prowess have consistently propelled organizations towards excellence.

Beyond her corporate roles, Winnie is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on society, industry, and individual lives. Her active involvement in various governmental advisory boards, industry committees, university boards, and charitable organizations underscores her dedication to driving positive change and fostering socioeconomic development.

Through her leadership, Winnie embodies the values of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility, inspiring others to strive for excellence and contribute to the betterment of society. As a visionary business leader, she continues to champion initiatives that redefine the insurance landscape, empower underserved communities, and drive sustainable growth across sectors. CEO Insights engaged in a one on one interaction with Winnie Wong, let’s hear from her.

Could you please share your educational journey at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology?

My part-time MBA studies at HKUST played a significant role in shaping my professional development, particularly during my tenure as a Group Management Trainee at Swire Pacific Group. Coming from a liberal arts background for my first degree, the MBA program provided me with essential business knowledge and skills. Despite being the youngest student in my cohort, I found group projects to be immensely valuable for networking, brainstorming, and learning from peers with more experience than myself. These experiences extended beyond the academic realm, enriching my understanding of teamwork, leadership, and collaboration in real-world business environments.

Asia Insurance has upheld its esteemed status as one of Hong Kong's premier composite insurers since its inception in 1959. What distinct approaches does the company employ to uphold its long-standing reputation?

Upon joining Asia Insurance seven years ago, I discovered a firm anchored by a robust foundation and a devoted team of colleagues. Over the past six years, we have consistently achieved record-breaking results in terms of continued growth, diversification, and digital transformation. Each year, we meticulously identify diverse growth strategies and strategic objectives to foster a culture of continual learning, revitalization, and innovation across the organization. This concerted effort not only enriches the professional development of our colleagues but also delivers tangible benefits to our clients and contributes to the advancement of the industry as a whole.

As the CEO, what are the factors you take into account when developing effective corporate growth strategies?

In my role as CEO, several critical factors inform the development of effective corporate growth strategies. These encompass identifying untapped segments and white space opportunities to secure first-mover advantages, emphasizing diversification and leveraging synergies with our existing business operations. Additionally, we prioritize growth through strategic partnerships and investment opportunities. Equally important is fostering the continual learning and development of our colleagues, enhancing corporate capabilities, and cultivating sustainable competitive advantages. Furthermore, we strive to create a positive impact on both society and the economy, aligning our growth initiatives with broader societal needs and economic objectives.

We strive to create a positive impact on both society & the economy, aligning our growth initiatives with broader societal needs & economic objectives

As the CEO and Executive Director of Avo Insurance, could you elaborate on the current positioning of the company?

I spearheaded the establishment of Avo Insurance, securing a virtual insurer license from the Insurance Authority in 2019. While Asia Insurance concentrates on B2B operations, Avo has carved its niche in both B2C and B2B2C sectors, complementing each other through distinct business models and capabilities. Over the past four years, Avo has successfully cultivated a robust brand targeting younger, tech-savvy demographics. Offering a diverse array of innovative products tailored to customers' lifestyle, travel, and health needs, Avo has surpassed HK$100 million in annual premiums. Noteworthy is the company's reputation for pioneering proprietary technology and groundbreaking products, earning recognition from clients and esteem among industry peers and business partners.

What are the typical hurdles encountered by customers during the insurance application process? How do you synergize technology, expertise, and leadership to streamline and safeguard the digital insurance experience for customers?

Given that cyber security and online solutions are integral to our business model, Avo has established in-house Technology and Experience teams that collaborate closely. Their aim is to guarantee a seamless and secure customer journey, ensuring that our customers' interactions are both enjoyable and protected. We tailor our products and user interface/ user experience (UI/UX) design to cater to various customer personas, ensuring simplicity and clarity throughout the entire process.

Could you outline your future plans moving ahead?

Our focus remains on enhancing synergies between Asia Insurance and Avo Insurance to maximize benefits for both our customers and colleagues. With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and fostering a positive work environment, we have achieved sustainable growth for both insurance companies, progressively strengthening our position in the industry.

Winnie Wong's Credentials in the Professional Sphere:

Director of the Year Award 2023 by The Hong Kong Institute of Directors

• Winner of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives of the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2022

• Winner of Elite Women 2021 by Insurance Business Asia

• Top 3 Finalist of Women of Influence (Leading Woman on Boards) 2021 by The American Chamber of Commerce in HK

• The Financial Times Board Director Programme - Non-Executive Director Diploma

• Chartered Insurance Practitioner and fellow member (FCII) of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK)

• Associate in Risk Management (ARM) of the Insurance Institute of America

• MBA International Management Development Program at UCLA

• MBA graduate from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

• BA (Hons) graduate from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

• CAGA Training Program for HK Industrial and Commercial Professionals (Chinese Academy of Governance, Beijing)

Winnie Wong, CEO & Executive Director, Asia Insurance

Winnie Wong, CEO & Executive Director of Asia Insurance & Avo Insurance, is a visionary leader renowned for her strategic acumen and commitment to innovation. With a background in risk management and extensive experience in the insurance sector, she has propelled both companies to new heights. Winnie's leadership fosters synergy between Asia Insurance's established legacy and Avo Insurance's pioneering approach, resulting in sustainable growth and a focus on customer-centric solutions. Her dedication to societal impact and industry advancement underscores her influential role in the insurance landscape.

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