Clyde & Co partner Jennette Newman has been elected as the new president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL).
Newman has been appointed to lead the organisation into a new era and operating environment ushered in by the Covid-19 pandemic. She replaces Anthony Baker, Partner at Plexus Law.
At the same time, Stuart Hardy, Partner at BLM, has been elected as FOIL’s new vice-president and will support Newman through the next year.
Newman brings over 20 years’ legal experience in UK and International casualty claims including coverage and monitoring advice and defence litigation and mediation.
Commenting on her appointment, she said, “I am delighted to be appointed President of FOIL at a pivotal moment for the industry as the need for resilience in the face of change is more important than ever.
“Over the next year, customer focus is going to be key. The industry needs to embrace better communication and more efficient distribution by making smarter use of technology.
“Advanced tech will play an important role in helping build better relationships and alignments with customers’ needs. For this reason, improved protection of customer data needs to be a key industry priority.
“As lawyers, this means we need to stand ready to support closer and more transparent interaction in the form of clearer wordings, better product descriptions and improved efficiency in claims processing in order to support the reputation of the industry and its role in the UK economy.”
FOIL Chief Executive Laurence Besemer added, “Jennette is well positioned to help lead FOIL through the next year by highlighting the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
“Her depth of experience and passion for promoting talent will help drive a much-needed transition within the sector to embrace greater transparency and social change.”
