The Insurance Institute of Ireland (III) today said that Richard Endersen, CEO of Aon Insurance Ireland, has been elected as its new president.

The official inauguration took place at the Institute's AGM event, held in Dublin.

He takes over the Presidency of The Insurance Institute of Ireland from Philip Smith, CEO of RSA Insurance Ireland Ltd.

Building on the work of the III, Mr Endersen has been quick to re-affirm the insurance industry's commitment to playing its part in providing job opportunities and career advancement in a diverse array of roles within the industry.

"I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this important role. My priorities for the year are two-fold; to promote the importance of professional standards and the need to achieve professional qualifications within the III membership and wider insurance industry and secondly, to raise awareness of the insurance sector as an excellent career option. The insurance industry offers career opportunities that deliver on many of the qualities that young people today look for and want; work-life balance, intellectual challenges, professional development, long-term earning potential, interesting work content and social relevance," he said.

The Insurance Institute of Ireland is the national body for insurance professionals in Ireland. Today it has over 15,000 members and provides insurance qualifications, technical courses and professional support programmes to its members, that are recognised both nationally and internationally.