The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has today announced new Policy Directors, with the appointment of James Dalton as Director, General Insurance Policy and Dr Yvonne Braun as Director, Long Term Savings Policy.

They will jointly lead the ABI’s Policy Directorate, created following the ABI restructure in 2013, and will ensure that the ABI is best placed to address the future challenges and opportunities facing the insurance industry. James Dalton was previously the ABI’s Head of Motor and Liability. He has led ABI policy work on a range of high profile industry issues, including civil litigation reform, establishing the untraced mesothelioma compensation scheme, the CMA review of the private motor insurance market, campaigning for young driver reform, and the setting up of MedCo.

In previous ABI roles he has worked on property issues and EU legislation. He is a lawyer by background and worked as a legal adviser at the Treasury Solicitor’s Department and the New Zealand Government before joining the ABI in 2007.

James Dalton said: "I am delighted to be leading ABI’s general insurance policy work at such a crucial time for the industry. I am relishing the opportunity to tackle the challenges and opportunities the sector is facing, such as regulatory reform, continuing to reduce unnecessary claims costs, and ever increasing customer expectations.

"And I will use every opportunity to reinforce the message of the immense value and importance the general insurance sector plays in society and the economy." Dr Yvonne Braun was previously the ABI’s Head of Savings, Retirement and Social Care. Yvonne has led ABI policy development and implementation on a range of high-profile long-term savings issues, including the Budget reforms, the OFT review of workplace pensions, automatic enrolment, and care funding.

Yvonne is also a lawyer by background with a doctorate in international criminal law, who worked at Goldman Sachs and the FSA before joining the ABI in 2006.

Dr Yvonne Braun said: "The need to focus on the future challenges and opportunities for the long-term savings market has never been greater. The pension reforms and agreeing how we adequately and fairly pay for social care needs will fundamentally change the long-term savings landscape.

"At such a critical time for providers and their customers I am delighted to be driving forward and promoting the critical role that the long term savings market can play in meeting the needs of our ageing population."

Huw Evans, incoming Director General, said:

"These key appointments recognise the expertise and experience we have within the ABI to meet the very significant future challenges facing all parts of the insurance industry.

"James Dalton and Yvonne Braun are respected and trusted by ministers, regulators and industry executives with proven track records of tackling difficult issues with skill and determination.

"I am confident that in James and Yvonne, the ABI has leaders who can help take forward the next stage of our policy agenda to the benefit of customers, insurers and the economy."
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