The Association of British Insurers has appointed the former CEO of AXA UK Amanda Blanc as its new CEO, the first woman to take on the role in its 100 year history.

Blanc has also recently been announced as the income CEO of Zurich EMEA, a role she will begin in quarter four of 2018. She will officially take up the role of ABI chair in October 2018, succeeding Aviva UK CEO Andy Briggs.

Commenting, on her appointments Blanc said she was “delighted” and she thanked Briggs for giving her the opportunity.

“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.”

Royal London CEO Phil Loney will become deputy chair succeeding Paul Geddes from Direct Line Group, who will also remain on the board. Loney said his appointment is an “opportunity for continued collaboration as an industry.”

Briggs, who will remain on the board as senior independent director, said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair over the past two years and I am proud of the progress that the ABI has made in key areas during this time, including growing our membership.

"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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