Sheikh Rakibul Karim appointed managing director, CEO of Guardian Life Insurance

Sheikh Rakibul Karim has been appointed managing director and chief executive officer of Guardian Life Insurance Limited, following approval from the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA).

Prior to the appointment, Karim had been serving as additional managing director and acting chief executive officer of Guardian Life Insurance Limited, according to a press release.

The company said the elevation reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership and his role in strengthening Guardian’s growth trajectory, governance standards and customer-centric strategy.

Karim joined Guardian Life in 2019 as chief financial officer and subsequently assumed broader senior leadership responsibilities, including acting chief executive officer.

During his tenure, the insurer strengthened regulatory compliance and governance frameworks, advanced digital transformation initiatives and expanded its customer base to 1.28 crore policyholders. 

Guardian has also consolidated its presence in bancassurance, digital distribution and microinsurance segments.

Before joining Guardian, Karim served as director of audit and advisory services at KPMG Bangladesh. He also held senior leadership roles at Grameenphone and Banglalink.

A chartered accountant, Karim is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh.

Guardian Life said the appointment is expected to support its focus on innovation, financial inclusion and long-term value creation for customers and stakeholders across Bangladesh.