Avivas Fran Bruce named as ABI protection board chair | Mortgage Strategy

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Aviva managing director of protection Fran Bruce has been appointed as chair of the Association of British Insurers’s (ABI) protection board.

Bruce takes over the helm from Paul Brencher.

The ABI’s protection board sets the strategic direction of the association’s work on protection policy. Its role is to help the sector promote the significant value it provides to individuals, families, and businesses across the UK.

The board identifies areas to drive better standards across industry that improve customer experience, access and understanding of insurance.

Some of its key priorities for the coming year include working with government to meet its objectives to improve employee health and promoting the important role protection products play in supporting the mental, physical, and financial health of the UK.

ABI director of policy, long-term savings and protection Yvonne Braun said: “The need to protect our health and finances has never been more important as we recover from the pandemic. The protection board’s work is crucial to helping government meet its objective of building a healthier and more resilient society.

“Fran’s established leadership, her ABI experience and her strong customer focus will drive the board’s work in advocating the crucial role of insurance while challenging the industry to improve customer trust.”

She thanked the outgoing chair Paul Brencher for steering the committee’s agenda and delivering the ABI’s Mental Health & Insurance Standards and Mental Health training module in partnership with Rightsteps.

She added: “These initiatives have helped the industry take a big step forward in increasing access to insurance. They are also a perfect example of how to partner with others to make improvements for customers.”

The incoming board chair Fran Bruce said: “The past 18 months in particular have demonstrated the value of protection insurance for customers and their families, employers, and advisers, and where we as an industry can support them when they need it most. The protection board and its members have a crucial role in coming together to achieve this.

“I am keen to bring my knowledge and experience from this area to the protection board, and also working with industry colleagues across the protection market to continue the progress that has been made so far.”

Meanwhile Bruce was also this month given the role of managing director of the Aviva protection business.

She has held many roles since joining Aviva UK Life and oversees the insurer’s customer engagement team.


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