CILA appoints former CII COO to executive director role

The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA) has appointed John Bissell as its executive director.

Effective September, Bissell will support CILA’s executive committee and guide the council, aiming to build on the institute’s successes in qualifications, professional standards, and technical knowledge.

He will also drive forward its diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, alongside increasing industry engagement and awareness with key stakeholders, including government and policymakers.

An accomplished executive director with extensive experience in the insurance industry, Bissell was most recently chief operating officer of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

He has also held several leadership and board-level roles at Acord, Pro-Global Insurance Solutions, Capita Insurance Services, Miller Insurance Services and Aviva.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Marc Sweeney, president of CILA, said: “Alongside a proven track record in the industry, John’s role at the CII means that he understands the challenges and opportunities facing a membership organisation such as CILA.

“From supporting increased diversity and inclusion within the industry to offering adjusters a clear pathway for training and professional development, CILA has achieved notable successes to date. But, as always, we can do more.

“We’re aware of the changing world and the critical role that loss adjusting professionals play in the claims process. John can help us navigate these challenges and ensure we deliver for our members who want a robust and supportive professional and technical development and a representative voice for the whole profession.”

Bissell added: “This is a critical time for the profession. Loss adjusting continues to respond extremely well to the dynamics of the industry with the independence that the profession brings to the insurer-customer engagement being ever more important.

“With the FCA’s Consumer Duty coming into force later this summer, all eyes are on the wider insurance industry and the provision of good outcomes for customers. Loss adjusters are a key part of this puzzle and I see a significant opportunity for CILA to make a real difference.”

Image source: Canva

Mark Dugdale