The Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) has elected Recaredo Arias as its new President and has made a number of new appointments to its executive committee.
Arias is Director General of the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies (AMIS) and succeeds former GFIA President Dirk Kempthorne, who stepped down in August 2018 after leaving his role as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Council of Life Insurers.
The announcement followed a vote at GFIA’s annual general assembly, which also saw the appointment of Don Forgeson, President and CEO of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, as Vice-President of GFIA.
Additionally, Tim Grafton, CEO of the Insurance Council of New Zealand, will now take over the role of Membership Executive from Rob Whelan, Executive Director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia.
Toyonari Sasaki, Vice Chairman of the Life Insurance Association of Japan, was re-appointed as Treasurer of GFIA, while Bachir Baddou, General Manager of the Moroccan Insurance Association, will continue as Regional Representative.
The mandate of each of these executive committee members was renewed for a period of two years, GFIA said.
Michaela Koller, Director General of Insurance Europe, will also continue in her role as Secretary General at GFIA, as her mandate was not up for reappointment.
Arias commented: “I am honoured to take over the role of president and serve the institution of insurance, at such a crucial time for the global insurance industry.”
“I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to Dirk for his brilliant contribution as an advocate for our industry,” he continued. “I look forward to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the voice of insurers continues to be heard at the highest levels of international debate.”
