3 July 2014 Insurance

ABI appoints AXA CEO as chairman

AXA UK’s chief executive officer (CEO) has been voted in as chairman of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) for a two year term.

Paul Evans takes over from Tidjane Thiam of Prudential whose two-year term will come to a close on 3 July and will be formally confirmed at the annual general meeting (AGM) on 1 October.

Evans has been group CEO of AXA UK since October 2010, having previously been chief executive of AXA Life.

He served on the ABI's long-term savings and life insurance committee between 2003 and 2010, at which point he became chairman of the ABI's general insurance committee and a deputy chairman of the ABI board.

During the past four years, he has led insurers' engagement with Government on the reforms necessary to reduce the cost of motor insurance and ensured member support to critical initiatives such as Flood Re.

Evans said: "I am honoured to be chosen as chairman of the ABI, especially succeeding Tidjane Thiam who has been instrumental in refocusing the ABI to address the many challenges that the insurance industry faces. Insurance is one of Britain's business success stories, providing jobs, financial security for millions of homeowners and businesses, and as a major contributor to economic growth.

"I am immensely proud of the work that insurers do to help people live their lives to the full, and businesses to reach their potential by protecting them from the cost of the unexpected, helping them build their financial futures, and supporting them when they need us most. Insurance and long term savings are as relevant today as they have ever been. I look forward to helping members to shape a future in which we are credited for operating responsibly, transparently and with a focus on delivering great value to our customers.”

Otto Thoresen, director general of the ABI, said: "Paul Evans is a widely respected business leader. His experience and deep understanding of both the general and long term sectors of the industry, allied with his enthusiasm and commitment will be a huge asset in driving the ABI's challenging agenda in the run up to the general election and beyond. I am looking forward to working with him to further strengthen the voice and impact of the ABI on behalf of an industry critical to a resilient society and successful economy.

"On behalf of the ABI's members, I would like to thank Tidjane Thiam for his outstanding leadership in his two years as ABI chairman. Tidjane's global strategic vision has been key to ensuring that the ABI has remained focused on effectively representing a competitive, strong insurance industry."

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