HOUSTON, TX — American National today announced that Chief Actuary Zack Axelrod has been named Young Actuarial Professional of the Year by InsuranceERM, recognizing his leadership in advancing the company’s actuarial, risk and capital capabilities while supporting strategic growth.
“I’m honored by this recognition, but it’s really a reflection of the high-caliber team I’m fortunate to work alongside each day,” said Axelrod. “The momentum and expanding opportunities across American National and American Equity have created an exciting environment to innovate, grow and deliver lasting value for our clients and stakeholders.”
Since joining American National in August 2025, Axelrod has led initiatives across valuation, modeling, asset-liability management and capital strategy, strengthening alignment between actuarial insights and business decision-making.
He has been instrumental in expanding the company’s institutional business, including supporting entry into the U.K. pension risk transfer market through a $1.3 billion reinsurance transaction, advancing the growth of the funding agreement program, and helping establish a reinsurance partnership in Japan. These efforts have enhanced American National’s geographic diversification and capital discipline.
Axelrod also leads a team of more than 50 professionals and has driven improvements in assumption-setting, governance and reserve stability across the organization, while supporting implementation of principles-based reserving for non-variable annuities.
"Zack is a highly skilled professional whose leadership has elevated both the performance and expectations of our actuarial team across pricing, valuation, ALM and cash flow testing," said Tim Walsh, president and chief executive of American National Group. "What truly sets him apart is his commitment to his people. No matter how complex the challenge, he remains positive, brings out the best in his team and continues to be an instrumental contributor to American National's growth and future success."
The InsuranceERM award recognizes emerging leaders making a significant impact across the actuarial profession.
