The future takes some provisioning and foresight. Displaying both is Jean LaTorre, CIO of Guardian Life, whose work at the insurer has ensured stabilisation in what has been a tumultuous year.

LaTorre is relatively new to the company having joined Guardian Life in 2020 but the challenges thrown her way have come thick and fast since her appointment. In response to the challenges of inflation and rates, Guardian has been laser focused on distinguishing between the winners and the losers in a rapidly rising rate environment as well as having the leeway to keep cash on the table.

At the same time, the insurance CIO has also been expanding into higher yielding assets—for example, bringing in emerging market debt to the fold at the end of last year—as well as setting a framework for ESG investing via the hire of its first ESG investment head.

In treading the tightrope of investing like a seasoned funambulist, LaTorre wins this year's CIO of the year award.