The director general describes his time at the ABI as ‘a privilege’, however ’it feels the right time to be preparing to move on’
The ABI’s director general Huw Evans will join professional services firm KPMG in January 2022, as a partner within its insurance practice.
Evans will stand down from his post at the trade association, which he has held for the past six years, at the end of this year.
During his tenure, Evans has represented the insurance industry through Brexit, Solvency II reform implementation, pension freedoms and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining the trade body, Evans served as a special advisor to former prime minister Tony Blair and home secretary David Blunkett between 2001 and 2006, before working as a senior manager in RBS Group’s strategy function until 2008.
Speaking on his new job role, Evans said: “The insurance industry and wider financial services sector are rapidly evolving and striving to meet the demands of a new reality being driven by technological advancement, regulatory reform, climate change and the pandemic.
“It has been a privilege to lead the sector in my role as director general and I now look forward to continuing that work with KPMG.
“I’m impressed by the firm’s ambition, capabilities and hunger to support leadership teams across the industry in a rapidly changing world.
”I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to stay in the sector and carry on helping it meet the fast-changing requirements of customers, regulators and our economy.”
The ABI confirmed that a full recruitment process to appoint a new director general will commence shortly.
Well-respected
Simon Ranger, partner and head of insurance at KPMG in the UK, described Evans as “an incredibly well-respected figure” who holds “an impressive depth of industry knowledge”.
He said the firm is “thrilled to welcome a professional of such calibre to join our team.”
Karim Haji, partner and head of financial services at KPMG in the UK, added: “We have a thriving financial services practice that is committed to recruiting, retaining and building the best talent and most trusted in the industry. Huw’s arrival is testament to that pledge.
“His experience, market knowledge and expertise from the insurance and banking industries will be instrumental in helping our clients to meet the greatest challenges and opportunities they face.”
Meanwhile, Jon Dye, chair of the ABI and chief executive of Allianz Insurance, said: “Huw Evans has been an inspirational leader of the ABI and has brought a restless determination to drive both our industry and the ABI forward.
”He has played a critical role in helping our sector navigate a hugely turbulent decade, tackling seismic changes within the industry itself. His achievements are many and include negotiating and implementing Flood Re, overseeing consumer initiatives such as the voluntary codes for vulnerable customers, the Mental Health Standards, pensions language simplification and the Covid-19 customer pledges, as well as being a key supporter of the Women in Finance charter.
”Under Huw’s leadership, the ABI’s member satisfaction and staff survey results have never been higher. I would like to pass on a huge thanks to Huw on behalf of the industry and I am glad he will remain an important part of our sector in the future.”
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