We’re proud to share that Candace Steele, Group Risk Director at Canopius, has been named one of Business Insurance’s 2026 Women to Watch.
Now in its third decade, the programme celebrates outstanding female leaders in risk management and commercial insurance. This year’s list brings together 50 brilliant women from organisations across the US and EMEA, reflecting the breadth of talent helping to shape the future of our sector.
Candace’s recognition reflects the impact she has made since joining the business in 2025. She has unified a previously fragmented risk function, implemented a new governance, risk and compliance (GRC) system, refreshed the Group Risk Framework and hired three talented women into the team. She has also played a central role in helping Canopius navigate intensifying external pressures, including geopolitical uncertainty, cyber threats, and AI risk.
She is equally committed to her own development, continually pushing herself to take on new opportunities. This has included speaking with the London Market Association on AI risk governance, and discussing geopolitics at InsuranceERM’s Insurance Risk & Capital EMEA 2025 conference.
Candace is also proactive in supporting greater diversity across the insurance industry. She mentors junior women at Canopius and contributes to external programmes including Lloyd’s Advance and The Insurance Supper Club, recognising the importance of strong networks in helping young professionals become more confident and empowered in the workplace.
Congratulations, Candace, on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement!