Head of ABI in shock exit

Kerrie Kelly has left as head of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) after barely six months in the post, according to reports.

According to the Financial Times, Kelly has exited the post she took over from Stephen Hadrill in November.

At the time, the ABI said Kelly would ensure the trade body had a "strong powerful voice" during what is a crucial time for the industry.

Kelly was previously executive director and chief executive of the Insurance Council of Australia and moved with her husband to the UK in order to take up the director-general role at the ABI in February this year.

The ABI's website describes Kelly as a respected figure in the international insurance world.

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

"She worked at the Insurance Council of Australia from 2006 to 2010 and was previously chief executive of the Financial Planning Association in Australia."

The ABI have not denied the reports but are refusing to comment.