The new hire, who has been a member of the association for 20 years, will succeed current chair Tracey Skinner

Insurance association Airmic has appointed Claire Combes as its next chair.

Her role will become effective from 1 September 2021.

Combes will succeed current chair Tracey Skinner, who has helped Airmic navigate the pandemic period.

The incoming chair has been an Airmic member for 20 years. She joined the association’s board in 2016 as chair of the risk management steering group and a member of its audit committee.

Combes is a qualified chartered accountant and is currently director of risk assurance at easyJet.

Previously, she held roles spanning risk management, internal audit, health and safety, treasury and insurance management.

‘Choppy times ahead

Julia Graham, chief executive of Airmic, said: “I am delighted to welcome Claire into the role of chair and I’m looking forward to working with her during her term of office.

“Supported by Tracey Skinner as immediate past chair, Tim Graham as first deputy chairman and Fiona Davidge as second deputy chair, we have a marvellous and talented executive to help us navigate what remains some still quite choppy times ahead.”

Combes added: “I’d like to thank Tracey for leading Airmic through what has been a volatile and difficult period for all organisations.

“I am passionate about Airmic and the value that we bring to our members and partners.

“As the risk management profession continues to increase in relevance, Airmic is positioned to support all risk or insurance managers, increasing their technical skills and personal development.

“I’m delighted to be able to lead Airmic on the next phase of our journey.”

Further recent personnel changes at Airmic include former AIG underwriter Glenn Ellis taking up a newly created role as Airmic’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambassador - he will lead the ESG project group in addition to taking a seat on the board.