Amanda Blanc, the group chief executive officer of AXA UK & Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the General Insurance Council (“GIC”) of the Association of British Insurers (“ABI”).
The GIC sets the ABI's strategic direction on issues of interest to the general insurance market.
Ms. Blanc succeeded Maurice Tulloch, who came to the end of his two year term as chair.
Ms. Blanc said, “It is an honor to have been asked to chair the GIC and have the opportunity to 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.”
Mr. Tulloch, the chairman of global general insurance at Aviva, said, “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.
“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. 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.”
Learn more: www.abi.org.uk.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].