Former Insurance Council of Australia CEO Kerrie Kelly has stepped down from running the Association of British Insurers (ABI) after just five months in the job.

The ABI has not commented on the reasons for her sudden departure from the London-based job, saying only that she is returning to Australia “for personal reasons”.

However, UK media reports suggests she may have clashed with the ABI board over her plans for the powerful trade association and submitted her resignation.

According to British business website FT.com, the ABI board “considered Ms Kelly’s position” at one of its regular meetings last week.

Quoting a source close to the ABI, FT.com says Ms Kelly’s management style may have clashed with the prevailing ABI culture.

Her three-year stints at the Insurance Council and Financial Planning Association were marked by extensive reorganisations, and the source suggested she may have wanted to do the same at the ABI. 

“She came from a fading trade organisation that she had to take aggressive action and [make] staff cuts to resuscitate,” the source said. “She was not brought to the ABI to do that. The ABI is a strong trade body with a strong management team.”

ABI Director of Life and Savings Maggie Craig will serve as acting Director-General while a permanent replacement for Ms Kelly is found.

Chairman Archie Kane said Ms Kelly “has had the drive and energy to make an impact on the organisation and the industry during an important period”.