Former AXA CEO reflects on geopolitics, transatlantic ties, and economic uncertainty, introduced by Marc Raisière, CEO of Belfius.
A year into the return of Donald Trump at the White House, global politics and economics are shifting in ways that challenge international relationships and the economy.
From tighter domestic control in the US to a European Union under pressure, leaders and markets are navigating a landscape defined by uncertainty and rapid change.
Introduced by Marc Raisière, CEO of Belfius, Henri de Castries, former CEO of AXA and President of the Institut Montaigne, will draw on decades of experience steering financial institutions through crises, offering his perspective on how these developments affect European markets, transatlantic relations, and international business strategy. How can Europe navigate these uncertainties while maintaining economic resilience and strategic influence on the global stage?
A unique opportunity to examine concrete trends, from political decisions influencing markets to the evolving dynamics of transatlantic economic relations.
The discussion will take place over a seated lunch with a menu signed by renowned Chef, Isabelle Arpin.
speaker
Henri de Castries is a business leader best known for serving as CEO of AXA, one of the world’s largest insurance groups, from 2000 to 2016. A graduate of École Polytechnique and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA, “Condorcet” class), he began his career in the French civil service, holding several key positions at the Treasury, including in international economic relations.
He joined AXA in the late 1970s and rose through the ranks to lead the company, expanding its international presence and cementing its position as a global leader in insurance and asset management. After leaving AXA, he continued to shape global business and policy, serving as Chairman of the Bilderberg Group, President of Institut Montaigne, a leading French think tank on economic and social policy, and as a board member of LVMH and Stellantis, as well as Chairman of General Atlantic.
Known for his strategic vision, pragmatism, and extensive international network, de Castries is often described as methodical and measured, with a particular talent for steering complex organisations across global environments.
speaker
Marc Raisière is CEO of Belfius Bank, Director at Belfius Bank and chairman of the Board of Directors of Belfius Insurance.
He joined Belfius in 2012 to become CEO of Belfius Insurance, before becoming CEO of Belfius Bank in 2014.
In 2016, he was elected Manager of the Year by Trends-Tendances, in recognition of the work done to transform Belfius into a very profitable and digitally oriented company. Since then, he continued to lead Belfius on its way to become a purpose and values driven company, that is ‘meaningful’ and ‘inspiring’ for the Belgian society.
Previously, he held senior leadership positions within the AXA Group in Belgium, France, and at group level, including membership of the Executive Committee of AXA France and responsibility for worldwide offering and distribution.
