MESERET B. ABEBE

Apr 10 , 2026.

Meseret B. Abebe is a veteran insurance executive with more than 25 years in the industry and over a decade as chief executive of Hibret Insurance. Trained in economics, insurance and leadership, she has held senior roles across the industry, including as president of the Association of Ethiopian Insurers and chairperson of Ethiopian Reinsurance. In 2024, Africa Re named her CEO of the Year. She also serves as president of the Ethiopian Insurance Women's Association.

Fortune: The finance sector remains a male-preserved space. How does it feel to be the one recalibrating that balance as you climb?

Meseret B. Abebe: I never approached my career as a mission to “change the balance”. I focused on doing my job well and taking responsibility when opportunities came. But representation matters. When younger women see someone like them in a leadership role, the path feels more possible. If my journey helps in that way, I am glad.

Q: Beyond the statistics, why do you think this particular industry has stayed so stubbornly monochromatic for so long?

This is not unique to finance. Male dominance reflects wider social and cultural norms rooted in patriarchal structures. From an early age, women often carry unequal responsibilities and face fewer opportunities. Finance inherited those patterns. That is changing, but not fast enough.

Q: What are the unwritten constraints you have had to clear as a woman to secure your seat at the executive table?

Some barriers are subtle. There are unspoken expectations about how leaders should behave. Early on, I sometimes felt I had to prove myself more than once. In time, I learned that consistency matters most. Competence, commitment and integrity build trust.

Q: Was there a “sliding doors” moment, a specific shifting point that steered you toward the C-suite?

No single moment. My career advanced step by step. Each role taught me something about the industry, people and risk. Looking back, those small steps prepared me for leadership. I believe merit and competence brought me here.

Q: There is a pervasive myth that a career in finance requires mathematical skill. How much of that is reality, and how much is just branding?

You do need to be comfortable with numbers. Insurance is a business of calculation and risk. But it is not only about mathematics. It is also about people, judgment and long-term thinking. Foresight and experience matter as much as technical skill.

Q: If you could sit down with your 20-year-old self, what is the one piece of non-career advice you would give her to make the journey easier?

I would tell her to relax a little and enjoy life while staying focused on her aspirations. When you are young, you feel you must achieve everything quickly. Later, you realise life is a journey and balance matters.

Q: Whom do you credit most for the architecture of your success?

Without hesitation, my family, next to God. I was fortunate to grow up in a loving extended family, and that shaped me deeply. Many others also helped me along the way. Leadership is demanding, and support makes a real difference.

Q: When was the last time you saw another woman in action and thought, “I want to be like her”? Who was this person?

I am often inspired by women who lead with quiet confidence, integrity and purpose. Not necessarily the most visible figures, but those doing excellent work and helping others grow. There have been many such women in my life.

Q: Did you ever actually visualise yourself in this position, or was this a destination you discovered along the way?

Not exactly. I never planned my career around a title. I focused on learning, sharpening my skills and contributing wherever I worked. Over time, those experiences opened new opportunities.

Q: Beyond your balance sheets and professional accolades, what would you secretly love to be famous for?

I would be happy to be remembered as someone who supported others and helped them grow. Leadership is not only about results. It is also about the people you influence.

Q: How do you effectively unplug and find your centre after a very busy day at the office?

Family time helps me reset. Quiet moments with my husband, children and, more recently, my grandchildren bring joy and perspective. That is what helps me switch off.

Q: Which fashion trend from your youth do you look back on with the most regret? Would you let your children revive it?

I do not really have regrets about fashion. I have never followed trends too closely. When I look back at old photos, I mostly laugh.

Q: What is your signature dish, the one you are genuinely known for in the kitchen?

I must admit I am not known for cooking. Others in the family do that much better than I do. My role is usually to enjoy the meal and the conversation.

Q: Is there a traditional holiday food you secretly despise but find yourself eating every year out of politeness or respect? Why do you hate it?

Not really. During holidays, I care more about time with family than the food itself.

Q: What is your armour, the one piece of clothing that makes you feel invincible in a boardroom?

Preparation. Knowing your subject and understanding the decisions at hand gives real confidence. Respect for others’ views and proper execution also matter. That creates a strong working environment.

Q: What holiday tradition have you kept since childhood that might surprise your colleagues?

Spending time together as a family. It has always mattered to me, and I still try to keep that tradition alive despite a busy schedule.

Q: Which book or film has most accurately captured the reality of your world?

Many films about finance focus on drama and rivalry. In reality, the work is more about responsibility, careful thinking and long-term decisions. It may look less dramatic, but it is meaningful.

PUBLISHED ON Apr 10,2026 [ VOL 27 , NO 1354]