Leah Cotterill emphasizes meaningful diversity and AI’s transformative role in healthcare.
Leah Cotterill, recently appointed as Cigna Middle East’s first female CEO, stresses that diversity and inclusion in the workplace must go beyond mere box-ticking exercises. In an interview with Arabian Business, Cotterill shared her vision for fostering a truly inclusive culture in the healthcare sector, a field where women are prevalent yet underrepresented in leadership roles.
“Promoting diversity is not just about ticking boxes but rather fostering an inclusive culture where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” Cotterill stated. Her comments come amidst a significant gender gap in healthcare leadership, despite women constituting around 70% of the global health workforce. They hold only 25% of leadership positions, underscoring the critical need for change.
As the first female CEO of an international insurance firm in the UAE, Cotterill’s appointment represents a pivotal moment for the industry. “I hope our work inspires many organizations to identify, develop, and nurture women for leadership roles,” she expressed. Cotterill believes that increasing female leadership is crucial as it brings diverse perspectives, fosters inclusive decision-making, and drives impactful change.
She advocates for a comprehensive approach to improving diversity, emphasizing policies that promote inclusion, training to address unconscious biases, and challenging persistent stereotypes in male-dominated sectors. Cotterill acknowledged the progress made in the UAE, including initiatives like the UAE Gender Balance Council, but noted that more work is needed. “The UAE’s progressive policies and initiatives aim to increase women’s participation in the workforce and encourage them to become leaders. I am proud to be a part of this progress,” she added.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Healthcare
The healthcare sector in the MENA region, currently valued at $185.5 billion, is poised for significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 11.7% in the coming years. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are expected to drive this transformation, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“AI promises to revolutionize various aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics to personalized medicine and operational efficiency,” Cotterill noted. The global AI in healthcare market is anticipated to reach $188 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 38.5% between 2024 and 2030. AI adoption, already utilized by 79% of healthcare organizations worldwide, is set to drive growth in areas like disease detection, remote patient monitoring, and drug discovery.
Cotterill highlighted the UAE’s National Genome Strategy, which aims to advance genomic medicine and personalized healthcare solutions. In Saudi Arabia, she pointed to the Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Programme, which plans to invest over $65 billion in healthcare infrastructure and services to improve access and quality of care.
Strategic Priorities for Cigna Healthcare
Looking forward, Cotterill outlined several strategic priorities for Cigna Healthcare under her leadership, including enhancing access to care, improving services, and expanding the company’s regional impact. She revealed plans to broaden Cigna’s footprint and focus on initiatives supporting the health and vitality of their customers.
“We will continue to collaborate with healthcare sector leaders, tech innovators, and community organizations to build a sustainable ecosystem that meets evolving needs. These partnerships will enable us to stay ahead of industry shifts and continue to deliver exceptional value while never losing sight of the human element, which is vital to patient care in the region,” Cotterill concluded.
