Amanda Blanc makes ABI history

Amanda Blanc, the incoming CEO of Zurich, Europe, Middle East & Africa, has been appointed the next chair of the ABI.

She is the first woman to chair the trade association since it began as the British Insurance Association more than 100 years ago.

The former CEO of AXA UK and Ireland, Amanda 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 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.’