ABI appoints AXA chief as GI council chairman
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has appointed Amanda Blanc, group chief executive of AXA UK, as the new chair of its general insurance council (GIC).
Blanc replaces Maurice Tulloch, who has completed his two-year term as chair.
She has served AXA as chief executive officer and held various leadership roles in the commercial lines business. Prior to this, Blanc was the deputy group CEO of Towergate Partnership, leading its retail broking operations.
“Amanda Blanc’s extensive industry experience and expertise will be a real asset in ensuring customers emerge as the clear winner of an insurance market undergoing significant change,” said Tulloch, chairman of Aviva, global general insurance.
“Issues around big data, autonomous driving, improving consumer trust and, of course, Brexit will set the future shape of our industry, and I wish Amanda and the GIC every success.”
Blanc added: “It’s an honour to have been asked to chair the GIC and have the opportunity build on the great progress that has been made under Maurice’s chairmanship. The ABI’s vital role as the voice of the industry is more important than ever. We are in the midst of a period of extreme change and uncertainty coupled with huge cultural shifts and increased consumer expectation.”
“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,” she said.
Tulloch has played a leading role in dealing with important policy and regulatory issues at ABI since he joined the general insurance council in 2013 and was appointed as its chairman in 2014.
“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. There have been challenges but throughout I believe the GIC has always focused on making the right decisions for our industry and its customers,” Tulloch said.
