The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has appointed AXA UK chief executive Amanda Blanc as the new chair of its general insurance council (GIC).
The AXA UK boss said she is honoured to lead the GIC, which sets the ABI’s strategic direction on issues of interest to the general insurance market.
“The ABI’s vital role as the voice of the industry is more important than ever,” Blanc said. “We are in the midst of a period of extreme change and uncertainty coupled with huge cultural shifts and increased consumer expectation.”
Blanc continued: “Taking on the role of a defensive protest group in the face of this change is not an option and I look forward to working with the GIC to ensure that we are unified and progressive as we work to represent the best interests of the industry but also those of our customers.”
The AXA UK boss succeeds Maurice Tulloch, who has come to the end of his two-year term as council chairperson.
Blanc said she will build on the “great progress” that has been made in the GIC under the leadership of Tulloch, who serves as global general insurance chairman at
Aviva.
“Amanda Blanc’s extensive industry experience and expertise will be a real asset in ensuring that customers emerge as the clear winner of an insurance market undergoing significant change,” Tulloch said of Blanc.
Despite challenges in the industry, Tulloch said the GIC “has always focused on making the right decisions for our industry and its customers.”
“It has been a privilege to chair the GIC through many complex issues over the last two years, from developing and launching Flood Re to the recent Government proposals on tackling the cost of whiplash claims,” Tulloch said.
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