Marie Hélène (Foyer Group): Writing the Next Chapter
Marie-Hélène Massard, CEO of Foyer Group, discusses Foyer's role within Luxembourg's artificial intelligence ecosystem and the Group's ambitions for future growth.
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How does Foyer fit into Luxembourg's AI ecosystem?
Innovation has long been part of Foyer's DNA. Artificial intelligence is therefore a natural extension of a mindset that is already deeply embedded across the Group: continuously striving to serve our customers better, improve our efficiency and prepare for the future. We are moving forward on several fronts simultaneously. First, by developing our in-house capabilities. Second, by drawing on Luxembourg's high-quality innovation ecosystem, which enables us to learn faster, experiment and make informed choices. For example, we are a founding member of the LHoFT, and we work closely with the House of Startups, the University of Luxembourg, the AI Factory, Luxinnovation and LuxProvide on a sovereign approach to AI. At the same time, we remain connected to broader international networks, notably through our partnership with Plug and Play. This is essential because AI is evolving at such a pace that no organisation can move forward alone. What strikes me most today is the growing gap between traditional corporate decision-making cycles and what these technologies now make possible. We therefore need to learn faster, experiment faster and make decisions faster, without compromising on rigour or control.
"Even as a market leader, we maintain a challenger's approach"
In practical terms, how is artificial intelligence transforming day-to-day work and roles at Foyer?
We initially approached AI as a matter of awareness and education. It was important to ensure that everyone understood what AI is, the opportunities it offers and, equally importantly, the risks that need to be managed. We then moved very quickly into experimentation. AI follows a gradual learning curve. Not every role is affected in the same way, but we are already seeing genuinely valuable use cases emerge and, in some cases, real enthusiasm for the technology. Some colleagues have discovered the potential of these tools and embraced them with remarkable energy and effectiveness, which is incredibly encouraging. The real challenge today is scaling these initiatives. It is no longer just about testing AI, but about integrating it wherever it creates genuine value. This is already the case, for example, in the digitalisation and automation of certain claims processes, particularly in motor and health insurance. The objective is not to replace people, but to enable them to focus on where they add the greatest value: complex situations, sensitive cases and those involving a significant emotional dimension. Our conviction is straightforward: AI must remain a tool that serves people. It should strengthen expertise, enhance the experience we provide and help us better meet the expectations of our customers, agents, partners and employees.
What are Foyer's growth ambitions and strategic vision for the coming years?
Our ambition is clear: to continue delivering dynamic, diversified growth, firmly rooted in Luxembourg while looking increasingly towards international markets. Foyer Group, which celebrated its centenary in 2022, now operates across five business lines: insurance in Luxembourg, insurance in Belgium, international health insurance through Global Health, life insurance through WEALINS, and wealth management through CapitalatWork. We intend to continue growing across all these activities. Our strong fundamentals allow us both to invest in organic growth and to remain open to targeted acquisitions whenever they make strategic sense. Ultimately, however, our strategy is about more than growth alone. It is also built around a vision of what Foyer has stood for since its creation: a Group firmly rooted in Luxembourg, ambitious, entrepreneurial, and capable of expanding beyond its borders without losing sight of the values and strengths that define it. To achieve this, we remain focused on what truly makes the difference: the experience of our customers, agents, partners and employees. And here too, our position is clear: now more than ever, we believe in the power of people.