John Ludlow steps down as Airmic CEO

John Ludlow is to step down as chief executive of Airmic, the association that represents UK risk and insurance professionals announced today.

Mr Ludlow has been CEO for nearly four years and will remain in his post until his successor is appointed in early 2021.

In recent months, Mr Ludlow successfully steered the association through the first phase of the global pandemic, including delivering Airmic Fest, the first ever three day digital conference for the UK risk profession.

Tracey Skinner, Airmic chair, praised Mr Ludlow’s contribution to Airmic and the risk community: “Airmic has grown enormously under John’s leadership and I would like to thank him for his tireless contribution to the development of the risk profession.

“During his time, Airmic membership and partner numbers have increased and diversified, the secretariat team has grown and professionalised, our educational offering transformed and he has begun the important digitisation journey. We wish John all the best.”

The timing allows for a transition period and handover to take place in the first quarter of 2021. The succession process of appointing a new CEO is underway, with a recruiter appointed to the task.

The handover process follows a period of hiring in 2020, during which Airmic recruited several new senior appointments, aimed at increasing the bench-strength of the secretariat and the programme it delivers, and to allow for a smooth transition at the top.

Ms Skinner commented: “Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth succession. The future for risk professionals has never been more exciting and we look forward to announcing the new appointment at an appropriate time.”

Under Mr Ludlow’s leadership, Airmic has expanded into the enterprise risk management space and transformed its educational offering via the acclaimed Professional Journey which supports members through their entire career.

Before joining Airmic, Mr Ludlow was senior vice president and global head of risk management at IHG Group. He has previously served as Airmic deputy chairman, chairman of the technical committee responsible for the production of Roads to Resilience, a member of the board for 8 years, and an Airmic member for 14 years.

Once he steps down he plans to focus on his charitable non-executive director roles, and to spend more time on his other interests and with his family in the West Country.

John Ludlow added: “I am extremely proud of what Airmic has achieved in the past four years, none of which would have been possible without the fantastic support of our team, board, partners and – most importantly – our members.

“My priority has been to position Airmic for the future by improving the quality and richness of our membership offering and developing the partnership structure.

“Airmic’s digitisation journey is fully underway and the spectacular success of Airmic Fest is just the beginning. Airmic now has an expanded, highly motivated and competent team and I feel that someone with more time to give must continue this exciting journey!”