BPI’s Non-Life Insurance Subsidiary, BPI MS, Welcomes Veteran MSIG Executive Noriyuki Kobayashi as New CEO and President

Manila, Philippines - April 11, 2025 -

Mr. Kobayashi relocated to the Philippines a year ago to lead the BPI MS governance team under outgoing President and CEO Mr. Ichiro Iwabuchi. He brings over 25 years of experience in general and property insurance, including roles in Retail Sales, Motor Insurance Claims, Enterprise Risk and Management, Joint Venture Management of MSI’s operations in India, and International Business functions. Notably, he has extensive experience in bancassurance operations in India and governance at MSI’s Head Office in Japan. Mr. Kobayashi’s familiarity with the BPI MS team, its stakeholders, the local culture, and the business environment positions him well to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

This leadership change at BPI MS comes during a challenging period marked by:

• An increasingly competitive and technology-driven non-life insurance industry,
• Rising customer sophistication and expectations for innovative, relevant products,
• Demand for excellent, often digitalized, end-to-end customer experiences,
• Increasing frequency, unpredictability, and severity of natural disasters and other risks, and
• Growth strategies and plans set forth by BPI and MSI for their joint venture.

Mr. Kobayashi is confident that with the strong foundation established by Mr. Iwabuchi, he and the BPI MS team will overcome these challenges and achieve the company’s objectives. He aims to champion the revitalized purpose, mission, vision, and values of the company, striving to balance growth and efficiency with governance and a focus on people.

“I sense the energy and excitement surrounding synergistic opportunities within the BPI and Ayala Groups, extending even to our underwriting and risk management experts within the MSI Group (MSIG) in Asia. We see a bright future ahead, and I am grateful for the chance to continue the work that Mr. Iwabuchi has begun,” Mr. Kobayashi stated.

From a marketing standpoint, Mr. Kobayashi plans to leverage the strong reputations of BPI and MSI to deliver the company’s value proposition of protecting Filipinos’ dreams and helping secure their future through sustainability initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

He is also enthusiastic about embracing innovative methods to introduce property and general insurance to target markets.

“The partnership between MSIG and the ASEAN Football Federation offers a dynamic platform to emphasize the importance of protecting one’s goals. We are thrilled to be the local title partner of the upcoming ASEAN Women’s Championship Cup – now ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup™ – especially as the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is the defending champion of the tournament,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Iwabuchi will be returning to Japan to assume a new and equally challenging role within MSI’s governance division, marking the completion of his comprehensive service to the company.

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About BPI/MS Insurance Corporation

BPI/MS Insurance Corporation is a joint venture between the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, offering comprehensive non-life insurance products to protect what matters most. From motor and property insurance to personal accident and travel coverage, BPI MS provides reliable protection and peace of mind to individuals and businesses. With a commitment to customer-centric service and financial security, BPI MS continues to be a trusted name in the insurance industry. Visit www.bpims.com for more information.