Insurance Europe, the association representing insurance and reinsurance companies, has announced the appointment of Thea Utoft Høj Jensen as director general, effective 5 November, 2024.
Thea will succeed Michaela Koller, who has served as director general at Insurance Europe for the past 18 years.
Frédéric de Courtois, who was elected President of Insurance Europe earlier this year and is also deputy CEO of AXA Group, commented, “I would like to warmly welcome Thea to Insurance Europe. Her extensive experience working in and outside the EU’s institutions, coupled with her broad knowledge of the financial services sector, will be a great asset to the federation.
He added, “Michaela’s decision to step down after so many years of service is certainly a loss not only to Insurance Europe, but to the industry as a whole. She has left a stronger federation that is well-respected and incredibly well-run, foundations that I have no doubt Thea will build upon for the future.”
Koller stated, “I am proud of what we at Insurance Europe have achieved together during my time as director general. I have always been and will be passionate about the industry, as insurance matters for people and the economy. I have full confidence Thea will continue to steer the federation forward and wish her every success.”
Jensen brings almost 20 years of experience in the financial services sector and European affairs. She joins Insurance Europe from FTI Consulting, where she has been working for five years, most recently as Senior Managing Director and Head of Financial Services in their Brussels office.
Commenting on her new role, Jensen said, “I am thankful to Insurance Europe’s leadership for their trust. I look forward to working on behalf of every member, to continue to promote the pivotal role that insurance and reinsurance plays for the European economy. I am also very excited to be joining an Insurance Europe team which is highly regarded for their knowledge and expertise.”