ABI names Zurich's Blanc as first woman chair

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has named Zurich Insurance Group’s CEO Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Amanda Blanc as its new chair.

Blanc will officially take up the role in October 2018. She succeeds Andy Briggs, CEO of Aviva UK who will remain on the board as the senior independent director.

ABI has also appointed Phil Loney, CEO of Royal London, to deputy chair succeeding Paul Geddes, from Direct Line Group, who will also remain on the board.

Blanc is the first woman to chair the trade association since it began life as the British Insurance Association more than 100 years ago.

Blanc joined Zurich from AXA. She is the former CEO of AXA UK and Ireland, and a board member of the ABI and chair of its general insurance committee. Blanc is a past chair of the Insurance Fraud Bureau and a past president of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Blanc joined AXA in 2011 from Towergate, where she was deputy group chief executive. She has held senior executive roles at Groupama Insurance Company and management responsibilities at Ernst & Young and Commecial Union (now Aviva).

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: “Amanda Blanc’s appointment is great news for the sector and I’d like to offer my congratulations to her. As a woman who has worked hard to succeed in a male dominated arena, I know how hard it can be to gain an equal standing.

“The case for gender equality on boards is an overwhelming one and improving women’s participation across the economy as a whole should be a priority for all of us. We should celebrate the progress made, but also continue to push for greater progress. The Scottish Government is determined to work with businesses to support them in whatever way we can to take action.”

Blanc said: “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.

“Insurance plays a vital role in the UK economy and provides peace of mind and practical help to millions of people every year. Rapid changes in the market, the use of technology and data and unprecedented geopolitical changes make it more important than ever that the industry can speak with a clear, single voice through the ABI.”

Briggs added: "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."

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