Insurance Europe has named Thea Utoft Høj Jensen (pictured) as its next director general, set to take the reins from Michaela Koller on November 4. Koller has held the role for 18 years.
Jensen will join from FTI Consulting, where she was senior managing director and financial services head in Brussels. With almost 20 years of expertise in financial services and European affairs, she has worked across the private and public sectors, including within the Danish government.
Commenting on her new role, Jensen said: “I am thankful to Insurance Europe’s leadership for their trust. I look forward to working on behalf of every member, to continue to promote the pivotal role that insurance and reinsurance plays for the European economy.
“I am also very excited to be joining an Insurance Europe team which is highly regarded for their knowledge and expertise.”
Outgoing director general Koller reflected on her tenure, saying: “I am proud of what we at Insurance Europe have achieved together during my time as director general. I have always been and will be passionate about the industry, as insurance matters for people and the economy.
“I have full confidence Thea will continue to steer the federation forward and wish her every success.”
Meanwhile AXA Group deputy chief executive and Insurance Europe president Frédéric de Courtois had nothing but nice words for Koller and her successor.
“I would like to warmly welcome Thea to Insurance Europe,” he stated. “Her extensive experience working in and outside the EU’s institutions, coupled with her broad knowledge of the financial services sector, will be a great asset to the federation.
“Michaela’s decision to step down after so many years of service is certainly a loss not only to Insurance Europe, but to the industry as a whole. She has left a stronger federation that is well-respected and incredibly well-run, foundations that I have no doubt Thea will build upon for the future.”
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