ICICI Life plans to hire 20,000 women advisors

life insurance premium — ICICI Life Insurance plans to recruit 20,000 women advisors by FY2027, building on their existing contribution of 45% to the company’s agency business. (Representative image)

ICICI Life Insurance Limited plans to recruit 20,000 women advisors across India by the end of FY2027, as women already account for 45% of the insurer’s agency business despite making up around 32% of its total advisor base.

The recruitment drive, announced on October 15 under the company’s Narishakti initiative on the occasion of Navratri, comes as the initiative completes two years. The company had more than 78,000 women advisors as of September 30, 2026.

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“We, at ICICI Life Insurance, firmly believe that ‘Talent has no gender’,” Amish Banker, chief distribution officer at ICICI Life Insurance Limited, said.

The company said women advisors contribute more than half of its agency business in Bengaluru, Kerala and Mumbai, indicating their significant role in its distribution network in these markets.

Women account for 45% of agency business

Women account for around 32% of ICICI Life Insurance’s total advisor base but contribute approximately 45% of its agency business, according to the company. The insurer said 47% of its women advisors had been associated with it for more than 10 years as of September 30, 2026.

More than 500 women advisors have also qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a global, independent trade association for top-performing life insurance agents and financial services professionals.

Banker said the company’s women advisors come from varied backgrounds, including homemakers, salaried professionals and businesswomen. He attributed their contribution to their ability to understand customer needs, offer suitable solutions and maintain relationships beyond the initial sale.

The company said the planned recruitment would expand its existing network of women advisors as it seeks to strengthen its agency distribution business.

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Narishakti initiative offers training and flexible work

Launched in 2024, the Narishakti initiative aims to help women build careers as financial planners without upfront investment, according to the company. It offers flexibility in working schedules and training and support intended to help advisors develop their capabilities.

Banker said the initiative was designed to equip women advisors with the skills and support needed to expand their role in the insurance business.

“Navratri is the perfect occasion to welcome more women advisors into our Narishakti force, equipping them with the skillsets needed to actively drive our government’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047,” he said.

The recruitment target comes as the company seeks to increase women's representation in its agency network while building on their existing contribution to business. The company said its women advisors play a role in helping customers identify insurance needs and secure their families financially.