CAS Profile: Eduardo Esteva, CAS Affiliate, MAAA

Eduardo Esteva holds a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from ITAM University in Mexico. He began his career as an automobile analyst, followed by a position in the National Commission of Insurance and Surety, where he helped create the first regulation of IBNR in Latinoamerica. Since 1999, Eduardo has served in consulting roles, beginning at Tillinghast where he became an Affiliate of the CAS and later gained his MAAA designation.

Where do you work and what is your position?

I work at Deloitte. I am Partner Leader for the Insurance Industry, and Leader of Actuarial Services for Deloitte Spanish Latin America.

Why did you decide to become an actuary?

When I was selecting my bachelor’s degree, I discovered the actuarial path. It sounded interesting and new with a lot of options. I am happy to be on this path — it is a very interesting profession!

What parts of the profession do you love the most?

I work as a consultant and love:

• Supporting clients with business issues that they need to resolve
• Tackling new challenges and finding solutions
• Working with different clients and learning from different people who have other positions and career paths
• Helping companies to define strategies and leverage their strengths

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

Always do the right thing, no matter how difficult. Enjoy the ride.

Why would you recommend a career in the P&C insurance industry to current college students?

I recommend pursuing the P&C specialty if you are looking to be in a sector that offers a unique opportunity to help people when they need it most, and you also enjoy problem-solving and data analysis. This sector allows professionals to specialize in areas such as commercial insurance, personal lines, niche markets, or reinsurance, leading to expert roles and leadership positions. Also, there are continually new issues to work on — in recent years, these have included climate change and cybersecurity, for example.

What can students and early professionals do now to prepare for a career in the industry?

Find what gives you energy and passion, and pursue that. Hear the other person’s side, emphasize with them, learn to understand them first, and after that suggest options. Build the relationships. Learn to communicate.

Remember what Einstein said: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”