Julia Graham is stepping down from her role as chief executive of Airmic, with Diane Maxwell set to succeed her. Maxwell will join the association next month as CEO designate before formally taking over in Spring.

Graham has led Airmic since 2021, following five years as deputy CEO and technical director. She is widely credited with raising the profile of risk management at board level and helping lobby HM Treasury to introduce a captive-friendly regulatory regime, announced this July.

Richard Hoult, chairman of Airmic, said: “Julia’s energy, knowledge and passion for risk management have taken the association to new levels. Under her leadership, we have grown our membership, expanded our educational offering and launched successful conferences in Ireland and Guernsey. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Julia for her service, and we are delighted she will continue at Airmic during the succession process.”

Graham said: “I have loved every minute of my time as CEO but feel that, when my contract expires next year, the moment is right to pass the leadership baton on. I am very proud of all we have achieved as a small but highly talented team supported by a growing membership and group of partners. The risk management profession, championed by Airmic, has a bright and exciting future ahead of it. I will remain an active member of the profession and as an independent non-executive director of several captive insurance companies.”

Maxwell has had a long international career in financial services and risk management. She was CEO of the NZ Retirement Commission for six years, working with the pensions industry, regulators and governments, and serving on OECD steering groups supporting the G7 and G20. She previously held an IFC regulatory role as executive director of policy and risk. She currently sits on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s professional standards committee, is a trustee of the Financial Times Trust, and is also a non-executive director and consultant.

Maxwell commented: “The current challenges and opportunities including geopolitics, climate, cyber and AI, make this a particularly interesting time for the risk and insurance professions, and for Airmic as it continues to advocate for and support businesses and individuals.

"Financial resilience has been the core theme of my career, and I am excited to be working with the Airmic team, board and our stakeholders in such a critical role. I’m looking forward to meeting with partners and members and hearing more about what they need from us and what we can do for them.”

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