Amanda Blanc named new chair of ABI

The former CEO of AXA UK and Ireland, Amanda Blanc will officially take up the role in October. She succeeds Andy Briggs, CEO of Aviva UK who will remain on the board as the senior independent director.

Phil Loney, CEO of Royal London, will become deputy chair succeeding Paul Geddes, from Direct Line Group, who will also remain on the board.

Amanda Blanc said: “I’m delighted and honoured to become the next chair of the ABI and the first woman in this role. I want to thank Andy Briggs and the rest of the board for giving me this 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."

Andy Briggs 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.“