Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Deputy Chairman Peter Kell, who has taken a high profile on insurance issues, has resigned after seven years with the regulator.

Mr Kell became Deputy Chairman of ASIC in 2013 and was chairman on an acting basis for a short period before James Shipton began his five-year tenure in February. His resignation takes effect on December 6.

A long-time advocate for consumers, Mr Kell is a former CEO of major group Choice.

In March he addressed the Insurance Council of Australia’s annual Sydney forum, highlighting the importance of improvements to the industry’s code of practice and the need for add-on insurance reforms.

Mr Kell has also been a strong promoter for the proposed introduction of stronger product intervention powers for the regulator, and has sat on the Federal Government’s Financial Literacy Board.

Before joining ASIC he served as deputy chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. He has also worked with the United Nations’ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.