Paul Evans, the group chief executive at AXA UK, has been appointed as the new chair of the Association of British Insurers.
Evans, who during the past four years at AXA has led industry engagement groups with government on motor insurance reforms and ensured member support on initiatives such as Flood Re, will take up the post on July 3.
He will continue his role at AXA alongside his ABI position, succeeding Tidjan Thiam who has been in the post since 2012. The ABI said that Evans new post would be formally confirmed at the trade body's annual general meeting on October 1.
Commenting on the appointment, Otto Thoresen, ABI director general, said Evans was a widely respected leader.
'His experience and deep understanding of both the general and long-term sectors of the industry, allied with his enthusiasm and commitment will be a huge asset in driving the ABI's challenging agenda in the run up to [next May's] general election and beyond.'
Evans said he was honoured to accept the appointment. 'I am immensely proud of the work that insurers do to help people live their lives to the full, and businesses to reach their potential by protecting them from the cost of the unexpected, helping them build their financial futures, and supporting them when they need us most.
'Insurance and long-term savings are as relevant today as they have ever been. I look forward to helping members to shape a future in which we are credited for operating responsibly, transparently and with a focus on delivering great value to our customers.'
Between 2003 and 2010, Evans was on the ABI's Long-Term Savings and Life Insurance Committee, at which point he became chair of the trade body's General Insurance committee and a deputy chair of the ABI board.
