New Independent Chair at ABI is Announced

The latest from the ABI;

Baroness Kay Swinburne is the new independent Chair of the ABI. She succeeds Baroness Nicky Morgan who was the first person to hold the role.

The position of independent Chair was created in 2021, along with the role of independent Non-Executive Director, to bring fresh perspectives, enrich diversity of experience and reinforce strong governance. Baroness Swinburne will chair the ABI Board and starts in the role with immediate effect for an initial period of three years. She joins Sacha Romanovitch as the ABI’s independent NED.

Baroness Kay Swinburne says: “I am delighted to take up the role of ABI Chair and look forward to working with the Board members, the executive team and the sector more broadly as we build on the strong track record of insurance and long-term savings providers in recent years. There are some pressing issues ahead, particularly on consumer related matters and further supporting the UK’s economic growth. I look forward to steering the Board as we seek to find ways to help tackle these challenges.”

Baroness Nicky Morgan says: “My time as ABI Chair coincided with significant change for the insurance and long-term savings sector as we moved into a post-Brexit and post-pandemic era, defining new regulations, the way we work and tackling consumer trust. It has been an honour to lead the ABI’s board for the past three years and to work with the ABI’s outstanding management team led by Hannah Gurga as we’ve collectively navigated these opportunities and challenges. The industry plays a vital role in securing the economy and providing peace of mind to customers. I know the work of the ABI will go from strength to strength with the guidance of Kay Swinburne.”

Andy Briggs, ABI President and CEO of Phoenix Group, says: “Kay’s extensive experience across financial services in the UK and in Europe will be a great asset to our industry, especially at such an important time as we work to support the government’s vital growth mission. We look forward to welcoming Kay to the ABI Board.

“I’d also like to thank Nicky Morgan for her extensive contribution to the ABI, especially in driving forward our consumer-focused work and helping to establish the Investment Delivery Forum.”