Mike Meehan
Principal
Milliman, Inc.
Mike Meehan, Principal in Milliman’s Property and Casualty practice, has built a remarkable career by combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to client success. With more than three decades at Milliman, he has become a respected expert in captive insurance companies and alternative risk financing arrangements. While he continues to support important client engagements, much of his current role focuses on strengthening relationships, developing new business opportunities, and helping organizations find effective solutions for their changing risk management needs. His career reflects dedication, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for helping businesses make informed financial decisions. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Mike Meehan as one of the 10 Distinguished Leaders Making an Impact in USA, 2026.
Mike’s journey into the insurance industry began with his love for mathematics. During college, he considered becoming a teacher because he enjoyed helping fellow students understand mathematical concepts. At the same time, insurance was already a familiar field within his family. His father worked on the regulatory side of the insurance industry, while his older brother worked for an insurance company. Both encouraged him to explore actuarial science, a profession that perfectly matched his analytical skills and interest in problem-solving.
Great careers are built by continuously learning, building trust, and creating value for others.
That advice led Mike to an internship with Milliman during the summer before his senior year in college. The internship, originally planned for just ten weeks, turned into something much bigger. He continued working with the firm throughout his final year of college and accepted a full-time position before graduation. Looking back, this opportunity shaped the course of his professional life. More than thirty years later, he remains proud to be part of the same organization, a reflection of both his loyalty and Milliman’s supportive work culture.
Throughout his career, Mike believes that success has not been defined by a single achievement but by the environment in which he has worked. He credits Milliman’s culture as one of the biggest reasons for his professional growth. The company encourages creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking, giving its professionals the freedom to explore areas of interest and build expertise in specialized fields. This culture allowed Mike to expand his knowledge, develop meaningful client relationships, and contribute to the growth of the firm’s Property and Casualty practice. Becoming a Principal at Milliman stands as one of the most significant milestones of his career and remains one of his proudest accomplishments.
One of the qualities that Mike values most about Milliman is its independence. Unlike many consulting firms, Milliman empowers its professionals to build specialized practices based on their interests while maintaining complete objectivity in serving clients. This independence allows consultants to provide advice based solely on what is best for the client without outside influence. Mike believes that this client-first approach has been a key factor in the firm’s long-standing reputation for excellence and trust.
The insurance industry continues to face many complex challenges, and Mike has been at the forefront of helping clients navigate them. Rising claim costs driven by inflation and social inflation, increasing climate-related risks, and financial market volatility have all created greater uncertainty for insurers. In addition, geopolitical events continue to influence economic conditions and insurance markets around the world. Mike believes that understanding and pricing risk correctly has never been more important. Through capital modeling, scenario testing, and careful financial analysis, actuaries can help organizations strengthen their financial resilience and prepare for uncertain situations.
Mike also recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry. He believes AI offers valuable opportunities to improve efficiency and analyze large volumes of data more effectively. However, he also emphasizes that technology should support professionals rather than replace them. In actuarial science, experienced judgment, critical thinking, and professional expertise remain essential for interpreting results and making sound business decisions. For Mike, the future lies in combining advanced technology with human experience to deliver better outcomes for clients.
Technology should strengthen professional expertise, not replace human judgment.
As a leader, Mike follows a simple yet powerful principle: treat others as you would want to be treated. This belief influences every aspect of his leadership style. He values honesty, respect, fairness, and transparency when working with both colleagues and clients. He understands that every individual brings different strengths, experiences, and perspectives to the workplace. Rather than expecting everyone to work in the same way, he believes effective leadership means recognizing those differences, creating opportunities for people to succeed, and helping them contribute their best.
His approach to client relationships reflects the same values. Mike believes clients trust consultants not only because of their technical knowledge but also because of their integrity and commitment to finding practical solutions. He strives to understand each client’s unique challenges, provide objective advice, and consistently deliver work that creates lasting value. This focus on trust has helped him build strong relationships throughout his career.
Among the many achievements in his professional journey, Mike considers being elected a Principal at Milliman as one of the most meaningful. It represented recognition from the firm’s leadership for his contributions, dedication, and commitment to excellence. For him, it was not simply a promotion but a reflection of years of hard work, continuous learning, and meaningful service to both clients and colleagues.
Looking ahead, Mike encourages young professionals entering the insurance industry to find work that genuinely interests them and invest in becoming experts in that field. He believes the insurance industry offers a wide range of opportunities, making it possible for individuals to discover careers that match their talents and interests. He advises professionals to remain curious, continue learning, and never stop developing their skills. Even if their first role does not feel like the perfect fit, they should continue exploring different areas of the industry until they find the path that inspires them. His own career is proof that dedication, continuous growth, and a strong commitment to serving others can lead to lasting success.
Success comes from combining knowledge, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.