AXA UK boss Paul Evans named as next ABI chairman

AXA UK and Ireland group chief executive Paul Evans has been named as the next ABI chairman.

He will take over when current chairman Tidjane Thiam’s term ends on 3 July and formally confirmed at the annual general meeting (AGM) on 1 October.

Evans has been AXA UK chief executive since October 2010, and was previously chief executive of AXA Life.

He served on the ABI’s long-term savings and life insurance committee between 2003 and 2010, at which point he became chairman of ABI’s general insurance committee and a deputy chairman of the ABI board.

During the past four years, Evans has also led insurers’ engagement with government on reforms to reduce the cost of motor insurance and initiatives such as Flood Re.

Evans said: “I am honoured to be chosen as chairman of the ABI, especially succeeding Tidjane Thiam, who has been instrumental in refocusing the ABI to address the many challenges that the insurance industry faces. Insurance is one of Britain’s business success stories, providing jobs, financial security for millions of homeowners and businesses, and as a major contributor to economic growth.

“I very much look forward to working with ABI director General Otto Thoresen and his team to ensure that this great industry continues to demonstrate our social purpose and will continue pressing for reforms – whether from government, regulators, or from ourselves - where they are most needed.”

Thoresen said Evans’s “experience and deep understanding of both the general and long-term sectors of the industry, allied with his enthusiasm and commitment would be a huge asset in driving the ABI’s challenging agenda” in the run-up to the general election and beyond.