Nick Starling has been appointed by the ABI (Association of British Insurers) as their new Director of General Insurance. He joins the industry trade body from the Health and Safety Executive, where he is currently Director of Policy Programmes. He will be starting in his new role on 4 January 2005.

Dennis Holt, Chairman of the ABI’s General Insurance Management Committee and Group Chief Executive of AXA UK, said:

“Nick Starling is an extremely good appointment for the ABI and we are delighted to welcome him to the role. It has never been more important to help businesses and individuals to manage and understand the risks they face. Nick’s experience in one of the most senior roles at the Health and Safety Executive will be invaluable to the ABI, its members and our customers.”

Nick Starling said:

“My understanding of risk management and work with widely differing sectors across the economy have given me a keen appreciation of the importance of the general insurance industry. I’m really looking forward to working with new colleagues at the ABI. I know that the Association provides a first class service for member companies and that I will have a great record of achievement to build on.”

Notes

1.            Nick Starling (48) joined the Health and Safety Executive in 1998. He was appointed to the Executive’s Board as Director of Safety Policy in 2000. Subsequently he became Director of Policy Programmes. He is married with two teenage daughters and lives in north London.

2.            A photograph of Nick Starling is available on request from the ABI press office.

3.            Enquiries to:       

         Alan Leaman    020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482330)

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147667)

         Lucy Butler        020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841184)

         Leonie Edwards 020 7216 7394 (Mobile: 07736 664 343)

4.            The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its more than 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold more than a fifth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

5.            An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.