GFIA reveals new president replacing Kempthorne

The Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) has elected Recaredo Arias as its new president and a member of its executive committee.

Arias, who is director general of the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies (AMIS), takes over from Dirk Kempthorne, who stepped down in August 2018 after leaving his role as president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers.

Don Forgeron, president and CEO of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, will take over Arias’s previous role as vice-president.

In addition, Rob Whelan, executive director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), has stepped down as membership executive. This role has been taken over by Tim Grafton, CEO of the Insurance Council of New Zealand.

The mandates of two other GFIA ExCo members have been renewed for two years, including Toyonari Sasaki, vice chairman of the Life Insurance Association of Japan, as treasurer, and Bachir Baddou, general manager of the Moroccan Insurance Association, as regional representative.

Michaela Koller, director general of Insurance Europe, will remain secretary general, as her mandate was not up for reappointment.

Arias commented: “I am honoured to take over the role of president and serve the institution of insurance, at such a crucial time for the global insurance industry. I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to Dirk for his brilliant contribution as an advocate for our industry. I look forward to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the voice of insurers continues to be heard at the highest levels of international debate.”

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