Insurance Europe, the European insurance and reinsurance federation, announced today that Thea Utoft Høj Jensen has been appointed as its new director general. Thea will take over from Michaela Koller, who has served as Insurance Europe’s director general for the past 18 years, on 4 November 2024.
Thea Utoft Høj Jensen joins Insurance Europe from the global firm FTI Consulting, where she is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Financial Services in their Brussels office. Thea brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial services sector and European affairs, having worked in both the private and public sectors, including for the Danish government.
Thea Utoft Høj 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.”
The outgoing director general, Michaela Koller, commented, “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.”
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. 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.”