Michael Bright may be taking a lower profile at Independent Insurance but he will continue his highly visible role at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
The CII confirmed that his presidency would be unaffected by his decision to step down as Independent's chief executive.
Bright's work at the CII has been lauded by two former presidents, who said he would continue to be an excellent industry ambassador, regardless of the changes at his company.
Ken Davidson, the chairman of Kingsmead Underwriting Agency and Crispin Speers syndicate, persuaded Bright to become CII vice-president four years ago.
Davidson, who was president from 1997 to 1998, said he wanted Bright in the president-in-training role because of his long-term support of the CII and his emphasis on training. “He's not afraid to put his head above the parapet and express his views,” he said.
Davidson said Bright was doing a great job as president. “He's really trying to raise the profile of the industry and one of his big objectives is to make it a sexy career choice,” he said.
Reg Brown, the former managing director of Markel Syndicate Management, handed over the CII presidency to Bright last year.
Brown said he could not have asked for a more supportive deputy. “In the short time I've been closely involved with him, he's been tremendous,” he said. Brighty's been bloody good for the industry. “
