Many leaders, upon reaching the top tiers of the corporate ladder, gradually detach from their company’s lower levels. However, AXA Philippines’ President and Executive Managing Director, Rahul Hora, stands apart. His inclusive leadership, hands-on engagement with employees, and commitment to a people-first approach make him a true standout in the business world. His leadership style, which fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment, has played a pivotal role in AXA Philippines’ success and his recognition as one of Asia’s Outstanding Leaders.
Transforming AXA Philippines into an Industry Leader
Since its establishment 19 years ago, AXA Philippines has grown at an extraordinary pace, moving four times faster than the highly competitive insurance industry and securing its position as the country’s second-largest insurance company. This rapid growth is largely attributed to the company’s innovative, agile mindset, which has led to a major shift toward digital services and a stronger presence in the fast-paced market. AXA Philippines is also among the few top-tier insurance providers offering a complete suite of products to its clients, a transformation initiated by Hora upon joining the company as Chief Agency Officer in 2009.
Bringing his expertise from the Insurance and FMCG industries, Hora steadily climbed the ranks, joining the Board of Directors in 2012. By 2015, as Chief Officer, he led AXA Philippines’ 1,200 full-time employees and 4,000 agents toward a customer-centric approach with a strong focus on digital transformation. His appointment as President in 2016 further propelled the company forward, resulting in record-breaking annual premium income and the successful launch of new products that achieved a remarkable 100 percent customer satisfaction rating.
A Leadership Style Built on Inclusivity and Empowerment
Hora’s success as a leader stems from his commitment to an inclusive and open leadership style. Under his direction, AXA Philippines has embraced a democratic approach, decentralizing decision-making, fostering transparency, and encouraging collaborative work. The company provides employees with invaluable opportunities, including international projects, state-of-the-art facilities, and online training programs designed to shape them into future industry leaders.
Deeply involved in AXA’s Human Relations department, Hora prioritizes employee development, ensuring that each team member has the support and resources to grow within the company. He dedicates time to personally engaging with employees, strengthening relationships built on trust and respect. By empowering his workforce, he not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates future leaders who will drive the company’s long-term success.
Hora believes that embracing diverse perspectives—regardless of age, experience, or background—provides deeper insights into AXA Philippines’ operations on both macro and micro levels. This proactive approach allows him to identify potential challenges early while uncovering unexpected opportunities for growth. He considers this ability to be a crucial element of effective leadership, emphasizing that top executives must develop a keen awareness of their organization at every level.
Influences and Leadership Philosophy
Hora credits his leadership style to two key figures in his life: his father, Vinod Kumar Hora, and Shikha Sharma, former CEO of ICICI Prudential and current CEO and Managing Director of Axis Bank. From his father, he learned the importance of integrity, diligence, and results-oriented thinking, recognizing that soft skills are just as critical as technical expertise in professional success. Inspired by Sharma, he has adopted a fearless approach to risk-taking, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
While his formal education in Physics, Math, Chemistry, and Management provided a strong foundation, Hora attributes much of his leadership growth to real-world experiences. He believes that success is not defined by awards or corporate achievements but by the positive impact he can have on others. As he humbly puts it, “If I touch one life in a positive way, if I am able to overcome my own challenges and have them resonate with others, I would consider myself successful.”
A Leader Who Inspires Change
Rahul Hora exemplifies the qualities of a leader who listens, adapts, and uplifts those around him. His dedication to fostering a workplace built on trust, inclusivity, and professional development has not only strengthened AXA Philippines as a company but has also left a lasting impact on the individuals who work alongside him. As he continues to lead by example, Hora’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of the insurance industry, setting a benchmark for transformative and people-focused leadership.
