ABI unveils Kerrie Kelly as new director general

Insurance Council of Australia chief executive Kerrie Kelly has today been named as the new director general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

Lawyer Kelly, who has senior-level experience working for both the private and public sectors in the fields of banking and finance, will assume the role from February next year.

Previously chief executive of the Financial Planning Association in Australia, Kelly 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.

She will replace ABI interim director general Maggie Craig, who will take over from the outgoing Stephen Haddrill on 16 November.

ABI chairman Archie Kane, who headed up the recruitment process, says: "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.

"[She] 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."

Kane thanked Stephen Haddrill, who is leaving to head up the Financial Reporting Council, for his "very significant contribution to the ABI over the last four and a half years".

Kelly adds: "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."