ABI's new director general unveiled

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has appointed Kerrie Kelly as its new director general.

Ms Kelly, who will take up the role in February 2010, is currently executive director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia.

She is a lawyer who has held senior executive positions in the private and public sectors with experience working in the fields of banking, finance and transport.

Ms Kelly has led the Insurance Council of Australia since 2006 and was previously CEO of the Financial Planning Association in Australia. She currently holds several non-executive directorships in Australia including HSBC Bank Australia, the Financial Literacy Advisory Board, the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Finance Industry Council of Australia.

The ABI’s chairman, Archie Kane, who led the recruitment process, said: “Kerrie is a proven and energetic leader whose success across the commercial, legal and public sectors will ensure the ABI has a strong and powerful voice at its helm at a crucial time for the insurance industry. Along with her leadership experience, Kerrie will bring a unique perspective to the public policy debate in the UK and EU, and her lobbying expertise will ensure the insurance voice is heard in Westminster and Brussels.

“Kerrie has a proven record of representing the insurance industry at the very highest levels and brings a strong network of international contacts which will prove particularly valuable as we navigate major areas of global regulation and supervision. I am delighted Kerrie is joining the ABI and have every confidence the organisation will go from strength to strength during her time as director general.

“I would also like to thank Stephen Haddrill for his very significant contribution to the ABI over the last four and a half years and wish him well in his new role at the Financial Reporting Council.”

Ms Kelly said: “The ABI is a trade association with a strong reputation for effectiveness, policy strength and Board leadership. Stephen Haddrill has been a highly effective leader and ensured the ABI has punched its weight. I am determined to do the same and I am delighted to lead the ABI forward at such a crucial time for the insurance industry and the future of financial services generally.”