(Credit: Sylvie Gleises/AXA XL)
Introduction of Profile: From aspiring artist to CEO Asia at AXA XL, Sylvie Gleises’s journey into insurance is both unique and unconventional. Born and raised in France with Vietnamese heritage, her early ambitions were rooted in the creative arts — a path shaped by curiosity. Today, with over two decades of experience across AXA, she leads one of the world’s largest commercial insurers across a diverse and complex region. Her leadership reflects a blend of global experience and a belief that risk has evolved beyond a technical function into a strategic imperative at the highest levels of business.
An Unconventional Path into Insurance
Like many in the industry, Sylvie did not set out to build a career in insurance.
“I ended up in insurance by accident,” she reflects, having started her career in strategy consulting before joining AXA in 2006. Without a technical background in underwriting or actuarial science, she brought instead a strategic lens — one that would later become her defining strength.
This perspective allowed her to approach the industry differently, connecting broader business challenges with risk considerations. Over time, her roles evolved from strategy and investor relations to Chief of Staff, and eventually to CEO positions — first in Europe, and now across Asia.
Her journey underscores a key shift in the industry: that diverse backgrounds and perspectives are increasingly valuable in navigating today’s complex risk landscape.
A Personal Journey: Adapting to Life in Singapore
(Credit: Sylvie Gleises/AXA XL)
Sylvie relocated to Singapore in 2021 at the height of the pandemic — a move that came with both professional opportunity and personal challenges. During a period of restrictions and quarantine, she had to adapt not only to a new role, but also to a new environment far from home.
“It was a family decision,” she shares, reflecting on the move from Paris. Her husband left behind his life in France to support her transition, a decision she describes as both challenging and deeply meaningful.
Today, she reflects on that transition with a sense of gratitude. With the support of her partner and a strong personal foundation, she was able to fully embrace both the professional demands and the opportunities that came with leading in Asia.
Leading Across Cultures: Empathy as a Core Skill
(Credit: Sylvie Gleises/AXA XL)
Having worked across Europe and now Asia, Sylvie operates in deeply multicultural environments, managing teams spanning over 16 nationalities.
While cultural differences are inevitable, she emphasises that effective leadership comes down to understanding people.
“Every country is different, but human nature is not,” she notes.
In Asia, she observes that teams may be less outspoken compared to their European counterparts. This requires leaders to adapt, creating safe spaces for dialogue and finding alternative ways to draw out perspectives.
“I need to read the soft signals and not everyone will raise their hand in a room, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an opinion.”
Her leadership approach is grounded in inclusion to ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of cultural or personal differences.
Redefining Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Biases
As a female CEO leading across Asia, Sylvie is also deeply aware of the challenges faced by women in leadership.
She highlights a recurring pattern that many female professionals hesitate to advocate for themselves.
“Sometimes, they are waiting to be recognised instead of asking for it.”
Her role extends beyond leadership into mentorship, encouraging women to step forward, speak up, and take ownership of their careers.
Looking Forward: Building a Compelling Future for Asia
Looking ahead, Sylvie is focused on navigating both immediate uncertainty and long-term growth across Asia.
In the near term, her priority is steering the business through a challenging environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and an increasingly competitive insurance landscape. With Asia experiencing a prolonged soft market, the focus is not just on growth, but on achieving sustainable and profitable growth.
“It’s about finding the right balance and continuing to expand while maintaining discipline on the bottom line,” Sylvie said.
At the same time, her vision extends towards 2030, strengthening AXA XL’s position across the region in both scale and relevance.
“I want to build something that people want to be part of.”
For the next generation of risk leaders, her advice reflects the same mindset: “Don’t rely only on technical skills. Build a comprehensive profile. Be strategic, be curious, and stay open-minded.”
A Lifelong Passion for Art
(Credit: Sylvie Gleises/AXA XL)
Despite her busy schedule, Sylvie has never lost touch with her early passion for art.
From visiting museums around the world to actively collecting with her husband, art remains a constant in her life, both personally and professionally.
Sylvie’s leadership is about building something meaningful, not just for the business, but for the people behind it. In doing so, she is shaping what modern leadership in risk truly looks like.
