UK insurance executive Otto Thoresen has been appointed the new Director-General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

He is at present UK CEO of Dutch-based life insurer Aegon.

Mr Thoresen, a Scot, will take up the top job at the ABI next month following an extensive search to find a replacement for Australian Kerrie Kelly, who left the organisation last July after five months in the job.

He says he’s “incredibly excited” to be given the opportunity to represent all parts of the UK insurance industry at such a critical time.

“The insurance industry is facing very significant changes over the next few years and it will be vital that we punch our weight and contribute all we can to the challenges facing us,” he said.

“I will relish the opportunity to engage in critically important debates with governments, regulators, customers and stakeholders.”

Mr Thoresen says he also hopes to continue focusing on customer needs to help the association build trust for insurance products.