Owen Balmont, sustainability and ESG risk manager at Admiral, has been awarded young risk professional of the year at InsuranceERM's UK and Europe Awards 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to risk management and leadership.
Balmont stood out for his forward-looking approach, collaborative mindset and ability to remain composed under pressure.
He consistently demonstrates an ability to anticipate risks and opportunities early, helping his team stay proactive and confident in an evolving risk landscape. His work translating complex ESG and regulatory topics into clear, actionable insights has significantly enhanced decision-making at senior levels.
A defining strength is Balmont's ability to bring people together. He has built strong relationships across all levels of the organisation, from senior leaders to early-career colleagues, fostering an open and inclusive culture where ideas can thrive. His initiative in holding one-to-one discussions with senior managers has strengthened trust and encouraged honest, constructive dialogue around challenges and opportunities.
Balmont's leadership is equally evident in how he handles complexity. Whether navigating governance and social impact risks, supporting key projects, or representing Admiral in external forums, he approaches every challenge with clarity, positivity, and a solutions-focused mindset.
His calm and balanced approach has proven invaluable in high-pressure situations, enabling teams to move forward with confidence.
Beyond his core role, Balmont has also contributed to wider team development, including creating structured sustainability planning processes and supporting graduate talent through university engagement and mentoring.
Throughout his achievements, Balmont remains notably humble, consistently recognising the contributions of others and reinforcing a strong team ethos.
He tells InsuranceERM: "Insurance appeals to me because of its importance in people’s lives and in society. It provides stability when things go wrong, and it has the financial resources, influence and reputation to help shape how society responds to big challenges. That combination of purpose and impact drew me into the sector."
This award reflects not only Balmont's professional accomplishments, but also the character and leadership qualities that set him apart as a rising talent in risk management.
