It is widely accepted that insurance has a diversity problem – but that doesn’t seem to have stopped Amanda Blanc who has had a trailblazing career.
Not content with having recently made the leap from AXA CEO of UK and Ireland to now being the incoming CEO EMEA for Zurich Insurance Group, Blanc has today been revealed as the new chair of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) – notably the industry’s first woman in the role since it was formed more than 100 years ago.
“I’m delighted and honoured to become the next chair of the ABI and the first woman in this role. I want to thank Andy Briggs and the rest of the Board for giving me this opportunity,” said Blanc.
“I am proud to say I built my career in this industry. In that time I have seen it change dramatically. It is now a more inclusive sector than I can ever remember, but the journey is not over. As chair I want to continue to drive the excellent work the ABI has already done in this area. With so much focus on the role of women in society today, I hope my appointment sends a signal to young women considering a career in insurance that there are no closed shops in this sector.”
Blanc will officially take the role beginning in October, succeeding CEO of Aviva UK Andy Briggs who is set to remain on the board as senior independent director.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chair over the past two years and I am proud of the progress that the ABI has made in key areas during this time, including growing our membership,” Briggs said. “The insurance industry has a fundamental role – to help our customers to enjoy a secure and prosperous retirement, and to protect what’s important to them. While there is more to be done, our work on auto enrolment and digital innovation has led to strong growth in pension provision, and our work in general insurance is now leading to fairer premiums for customers.
“In my successor, Amanda Blanc, the ABI has appointed someone of the highest ability, experience and drive. I am very proud that the ABI has taken a leading role in promoting gender diversity over the last two years, and in appointing the first ever woman to become chair, this is an important moment for the industry.”
Blanc’s appointment has also earned high praise in her native Wales – Blanc, born in Treherbert, has always been openly proud of her Welsh roots.
“Congratulations to Amanda on becoming chair of the ABI. She has held a series of top jobs in insurance and now has an international profile as incoming chief executive of Zurich Insurance,” said Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, in a comment released to Insurance Business.
“I’m pleased that Amanda remains proud of her roots in the Rhondda. Wales now has a formidable name in financial services and people like Amanda are helping to drive that trend.”
