Chris Bose (pictured right) has been named director of general insurance and international at
the Association of British Insurers (ABI), with the appointment taking effect on August 11.
Bose joins the ABI after 10 years at Nationwide Building Society, where he led the policy and public affairs function and also held the position of interim director of corporate affairs. His previous experience includes roles in government affairs and policy at Santander and consultancy firm Lansons.
ABI director general Hannah Gurga said Bose brings relevant experience in policy and government engagement that will support the organisation’s work on general insurance and international issues. She said the ABI looks forward to working with him as it continues to address key areas on behalf of its members.
Bose said he views the appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the insurance sector during a period of change. He noted the industry’s role in supporting individuals and the wider economy, and said he aims to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including government and member firms.
ABI president Andy Briggs said Bose’s policy background and knowledge of regulatory environments would be useful as the ABI continues its engagement on a range of sector issues.
Bose has worked across public policy roles within financial services. At Nationwide, he oversaw the organisation’s public affairs strategy from 2015 to 2025. Earlier in his career, he worked in public affairs at Santander UK and began his professional career at Lansons. He has advised senior leaders on policy matters and was seconded to HM Treasury during the pandemic, contributing to a review of payment systems in 2023 commissioned by the then Chancellor. From 2023 to 2025, he chaired UK Finance’s external affairs committee and represented Nationwide on the Council of the Building Societies Association.
His appointment comes as the ABI confirms a number of leadership changes. Baroness Kay Swinburne has been named the organisation’s new independent chair, taking over from Baroness Nicky Morgan, who was the first to hold the role following its creation in 2021. The position was established alongside that of independent non-executive director to enhance governance and bring broader perspectives to the organisation. Swinburne will also chair the ABI board as part of her three-year term. She joins Sacha Romanovitch, the ABI’s existing independent non-executive director.
In a separate appointment, David Otudeko was confirmed as the ABI’s new director of regulation. He had held the role on an interim basis since November 2024 following the departure of Charlotte Clark. Otudeko joined the ABI in 2021 as assistant director and head of Prudential Regulation, and has held risk-focused positions at the Prudential Regulation Authority, PwC and AmTrust. Gurga said Otudeko’s appointment followed a competitive selection process and acknowledged the contributions he had already made on regulatory priorities.
