The ABI’s Protection Committee sets the strategic direction of the ABI’s protection policy work and makes recommendations on positions and the work of the ABI. The Committee looks to improve the reputation of the protection sector and wider industry by helping improve standards, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and helping the sector communicate its value to the outside world.
A key priority for the Protection Committee is to address welfare rules to ensure that insurers can play a larger role in helping people and their families financially protect themselves, and help people who have suffered an illness or injury back into work.
Dr Yvonne Braun, ABI Director of Policy, Long-Term Savings and Protection, said: “We’re delighted that Russell has taken over as Chair of the ABI’s Protection Committee to build on Gary Shaughnessy’s excellent work. With extensive global experience in reinsurance, Russell will bring insight on life and protection insurance from other markets to the UK industry. Under his leadership, the Protection Committee will have strategic oversight over the ABI’s protection work and continue to promote the value and improve the reputation of protection insurance. In particular, the Committee will drive forward the ABI’s priority to increase the uptake of income protection to help people back into work following illness or injury.”
Russell will also represent the Protection Committee at the ABI Board, continuing the link previously established with Gary Shaughnessy’s role on both. Russell has a first class honours degree in Business from the University of Hertfordshire and an MBA from Henley Management College. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and is currently serving as Deputy President of the Insurance Institute of London.
He has over 20 years' experience at Swiss Re, and started in the UK business unit before moving in 2002 to be the Life & Health Country Manager for Japan and subsequently Korea. In 2006, he became the CEO of Swiss Re's operations in Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney. In 2010, Russell transferred back to the UK as Country President and CEO for the UK and Ireland, before taking on his current role as Global Head of Life and Health Products.
Russell Higginbotham said: “I’m excited to take on the role as Protection Committee Chair, representing the work of the Committee at the ABI Board. With welfare reform at the top of the agenda, it’s essential that we make the case to policymakers for insurers to play a greater role to help people protect their financial futures.”
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