The ABI director general Mary Francis will step down at the end of March 2005 in order to focus on her non-executive roles, it was announced today.
Francis joined the ABI in 1999 after a career in the Treasury, the Prime Minister's Office and Buckingham Palace. She is currently a non-executive director of Centrica plc, a member of the Court of the Bank of England and a member of the Press Complaints Commission. She is also a trustee of the Almeida Theatre.
Richard Harvey, chairman of the ABI and chief executive of Aviva plc, said: “Mary Francis has been an exceptional leader of the ABI, and during the last five years has made an enormously valuable contribution to the insurance, savings and investment industry. Her contribution has benefited ABI's members, their customers and the UK economy.”
Francis said: “The last five years have seen fundamental changes in investment markets, global risk, regulation and shareholder activism. The ABI has been an influential voice on all these issues. I have been privileged to lead the Association through such a challenging time.”
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
