Former chairman of the Underwriting Agencies Council Kurt Nilsen has announced he is battling “aggressive cancer”.

Mr Nilsen, MD of Lion Underwriting, spent 10 years on the UAC board, three of them as chairman.

“I have been receiving so many messages from people in our incredible insurance industry asking why I haven’t been at industry events, UAC expos, that I decided it was time to post a very personal message,” Mr Nilsen wrote on LinkedIn.

“I was diagnosed with aggressive cancer on February 1 this year and have been on a roller-coaster treatment journey since then. It’s a tough journey, especially with a young family, but I’m focused on ‘success’ and making precious memories.”

Mr Nilsen thanked all those who have offered support. “We truly have an incredible industry that are like family,” he said, adding that Lion “continues to grow and strengthen”.