RGA appoints Melissa Jackson Parsey as global chief strategy officer

RGA has appointed Melissa Jackson Parsey as global chief strategy officer, filling a role that has been vacant since January 2024.

Tom Morton previously held the role, but left after eight years with the agency.

Jackson Parsey will report to global chief executive Robin Forbes and be responsible for the “next era” evolution of RGA’s strategy offering since becoming independent in March. 

She previously led RGA’s brand design and consulting practice globally as senior vice-president managing director.

Jackson Parsey said: “In a time when our clients are navigating transformation, complexity, and growing pressure to deliver returns on innovation, strategy must lead. I’m incredibly energised to take on this role at such a critical and exciting moment for RGA. We have the opportunity to reimagine what design and technology can unlock for businesses and our industry. That’s the future I believe in, and the future we’re building at RGA.”

Before joining RGA in 2022, Jackson Parsey worked at creative network B-Reel as global chief strategy officer. Prior to this, she was head of strategy at Co:collective, and spent nearly a decade with WPP in multi-disciplinary roles across agencies. 

Forbes said: “[Jackson Parsey] is the kind of leader who sees around corners. She understands not just where the industry is going, but what clients need right now. Her ability to blend strategic clarity with creative ambition makes her exactly the right person to help lead RGA’s global strategy team into our next era.”

This week, RGA established a global AI products team led by Ben Cooper. In April, the agency promoted Ryan Wareham to EMEA managing director, replacing Rebecca Bezzina, who left as EMEA chief executive.