GFIA appoints new execs

The Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) has appointed Governor Dirk Kempthorne as its new chair, for a two-year term.

Kempthorne, who is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the American Council of Life Insurers, replaces Frank Swedlove, the inaugural chair of the GFIA, who will remain as a member of the executive committee as past chair.

Robert Whelan, executive director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, becomes the membership executive, replacing Leigh Ann Pusey. The vice-chair, Recaredo Arias (Association of Mexican Insurance Companies), treasurer, Shizuharu Kubono (Life Insurance Association of Japan) and secretary, Michaela Koller (Insurance Europe) all remain in their posts.

“I’m honoured to be elected as chair of the GFIA and will continue the good work of Frank Swedlove and all those involved with the GFIA in providing a global voice for the insurance industry” said Kempthorne. “It’s an exciting time for the GFIA and I am committed to delivering on its key priorities.”

Swedlove said: “Being the first chair of the GFIA has been a privilege and I’m delighted to see the progress that has been made over the past two years. I look forward to working with Governor Kempthorne and the executive committee to continue to build on that work.”