Amanda Blanc has been appointed Chairman of the Association of British Insurers – the first woman to take the role.

Ms Blanc is the incoming CEO of Zurich Europe, Middle East and Africa, and a former group CEO for Axa in the UK and Ireland. She replaces Aviva UK CEO Andy Briggs, who will remain on the association’s board as a senior independent director.

Royal London CEO Phil Loney becomes Deputy Chairman, succeeding Paul Geddes.

Ms Blanc says she hopes her appointment sends a signal to young women that there are no “closed shops” in the industry.

Mr Briggs says the association has taken a leading role promoting gender diversity in the past two years.