The MAXIS Global Forum ended with our glittering Member Awards ceremony on the beautiful Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore.
A new format saw shortlisted members pitching to the audience to explain why they should be crowned the 2026 champion across four categories. Arriving on Isola Bella, anticipation was high as we waited to find out how the event attendees had voted…
Most Engaged Member
Collaboration is vital to the success of our network and our ability to continue servicing our multinational clients to the highest possible standards. This award recognises the member who goes above and beyond when it comes to engaging with the MAXIS team and helping us to meet our shared goals.
The shortlisted members were AXA Italy, Am MetLife and PALIG. The pitches were all excellent, but only one member could take home the trophy… AXA Italy!
Marco Bovo, Head of Employee Benefits, AXA Italy, said: “It was an honour to be able to pitch on behalf of AXA Italy for this award, and even more special to have won on home soil! This is a reflection of the great collaboration between MAXIS and AXA Italy, using new ways of working together to grasp more opportunities to win new local business, as well as continuing to provide the best service we can to our existing shared clients. We are excited to continue growing our partnership with MAXIS and keep striving towards further growth together.”
Data Quality Champion
Data is at the heart of everything we do as a network and we know how important timely, accurate data is for our multinational clients to develop and implement their global EB strategies successfully. This award recognises a member that consistently provides accurate data, in good time and responds promptly to any queries. Given that we now provide underwriting year data to our clients, it also recognises a member who consistently meets our requirements for this data.
The shortlist was strong, featuring AXA Philippines, MetLife Europe and Achmea. But the winner was… Achmea!
Monique Heemskerk, Account Manager International, Achmea, said: “I was delighted to pitch for – and accept – this award on behalf of Achmea. MAXIS has been a valued partner of ours for the last 20 years and it’s an honour to be recognised for our commitment to good quality data by the MAXIS team, and the attendees who voted for us. This is testament to the hard work of our reporting and technical teams who are committed to improving and maintaining accuracy, reliability and timeliness when it comes to the data we share. Here’s to the next 20 years of our partnership – and lots more good quality data!”
Innovation Champion
When it comes to staying ahead of the curve, innovation is crucial. As a network, we aim to consistently develop new tools and solutions so we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our clients and their people. This award recognises a member whose innovative work is really making a difference in the industry.
The shortlisted members were AXA Hong Kong, MetLife Gulf and Bao Viet. The votes were counted and verified, and the winner was… MetLife Gulf!
George Kotsalos, Head of Employee Benefits for the Gulf, MetLife Gulf, said: “At MetLife Gulf, we’re incredibly proud to have developed the UAE’s first employer-led obesity care programme, which recognises obesity as a chronic disease and seeks to improve health outcomes for employees. It was an honour to discuss this initiative in more detail as part of our pitch, and to accept the award alongside my colleague Lilia Mokhtari. This truly is a first for our region, so to be recognised by MAXIS and the attendees in the innovation category is really special. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!”
CSR Champion
The final award was for our CSR Champion. CSR is an important part of life at MAXIS, and through our MAXIS for Good initiative, we aim to ensure that we’re having a positive impact on the communities and environments we work and live in. It’s vital to us that our members from around the world are taking the same approach, and this award recognises a member who is doing just that.
With so many brilliant things being done in this category, we had four members on the shortlist: AXA Belgium, MetLife Romania, Desjardins and Care Plus. Our 2026 CSR Champion winner was… MetLife Romania!
Sorina Stafie, Head of Employee Benefits, MetLife Romania, said: “CSR is really close to our hearts at MetLife Romania, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to pitch to the audience and share more information about DĂRUIM, our CSR initiative for employee volunteering. Being recognised in this category is a testament to the hard work that has gone into ensuring we are helping our local community to thrive, which is something we’re committed to developing even further as time goes on. We are really proud to have taken home this award!”
Congratulations to all our shortlisted members and winners, and thanks to all of our members for their commitment – we’re proud to have you as part of our network!