Allianz’s Graham Gibson joins Thatcham Research as chairman

Automotive safety and repair group Thatcham Research has appointed Allianz Insurance’s Graham Gibson as the new chairman of its board.

As chief claims officer at Allianz Insurance, Gibson is an industry advocate with experience in a range of market initiatives across claims and personal injury. He also serves on a variety of insurer groups, including as board member for the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Gibson said: “I am excited to have been given this opportunity to work closely with Thatcham Research. Their passion and commitment to improving automotive safety and security demonstrates a dedication to both the insurance industry and vehicle manufacturers.”

“I have seen first-hand the hard work and innovative research carried out by Thatcham Research having been an active member of its board since 2012. I look forward to working with members of the team and producing some exciting research.”

Gibson (pictured) replaces current chairman Ian Currie, who is retiring from his role as UK motor and injury claims director at RSA, after more than two years at the helm.

Currie has contributed to Thatcham Research as a board member over six years and helped steer it through a period of notable change, with the organisation increasingly recognised as a global centre of excellence for assisted and automated driving assessment and testing.

The Thatcham Research board is drawn from its 24 member insurers, which fund its research on vehicle safety, security, personal injury and accident damage repair.

Ruth McRitchie, director of finance at Thatcham Research, welcomed Gibson’s appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Graham as our new chairman. He brings a wealth of experience from his role at Allianz, together with his commitment and enthusiasm for Thatcham Research.”

“Under Ian Currie’s leadership, we have repositioned ourselves to address the future challenges for the motor insurance industry. Our new three-year strategic plan sets out the key challenges of preparing our members for the emergence of autonomous and assisted driving. This includes the impact of connected cars and cyber security, along with the repair challenges resulting from the rapid growth of new electric and hybrid vehicles.”

“We’re very much looking forward to working even more closely with Graham as he prepares to build on everything that Ian has delivered for us. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ian who has provided us with such strong leadership.”

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Mark Dugdale