The fallout from the HIH collapse will probably dominate discussions at ICA’s annual general meeting tomorrow, although CEOs will doubtless be heartened by indications of continuing support for the industry’s handling of the HIH crisis from both sides of the political spectrum.

They’ll also have the opportunity to sort out the council’s presidential problems. AIG’s John Butselaar is Acting President following the departure from CEO ranks of NRMA’s Eric Dodd. Mr Butselaar will probably be confirmed in the president’s position.

Also likely to be discussed are growing calls for a levy to be imposed on all policies to meet the needs of HIH claimants. Not that the idea will find much support among CEOs.

Nor is any effort to foster any industry confidence campaign expected to find favour. As one senior industry figure put it yesterday: “The consumer focus that dominated the industry through most of the 1990s just doesn’t exist any more. These days the guys at the top have moved their attention away from consumers to maximising shareholder returns.”