Paul Brencher, managing director of individual protection at Aviva UK, has been appointed as the new chair of the Association of British Insurers’ Protection Board.
Brencher (pictured), who succeeds outgoing chair Dominic Grinstead of MetLife, has been with Aviva since 2007 operating in a number of roles, initially supporting protection in the UK, and then working more broadly across Aviva’s European and Indian businesses.
Since late 2016, Brencher has been the managing director for Aviva’s UK individual protection business and retains a role as board member of Aviva’s health business.
The ABI’s Protection Board’s role is to help the sector promote the huge value it provides to consumers across the UK, while driving improved standards across the industry and proactively identifying and addressing potential risks.
A key priority for the Protection Board is working with government to meet its objectives on work and health, prevention and financial resilience, by promoting the important role protection products play in supporting the mental, physical and financial health of the UK.
Yvonne Braun, ABI director of policy, long-term savings and protection, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul as the new Chair of the ABI’s Protection Board. Protection insurance plays a major role in supporting people’s mental, physical, and financial health, and in helping employers with the resilience of their workforce. The Protection Board’s work is crucial to help ensure consumers and stakeholders fully appreciate this.
“Covid-19 has made us all much more aware of our vulnerability and the need for safety nets to protect our health and finances. I know Paul will bring a strong consumer focus and drive to the Board’s work, and to advocating for the even bigger role that our industry can play in the future.”
Brencher, said: “There has arguably never been a more important time to demonstrate the benefits of protection, the financial resilience it can provide to customers and their families in difficult times, and its relevance for employers and financial advisers. The Board and its members have a key role to play and I look forward to collaboratively driving for successful change and progressive outcomes.”