Former Zurich chairman and CEO Fritz Gerber passes away

Fritz Gerber, the former chairman and chief executive officer of Zurich Insurance Group, has passed away.

The company paid tribute to Gerber, saying he had a profound influence on Zurich during his 40-year-career, including 17 years as CEO and 18 years as chairman of the board of directors.

Gerber joined Zurich in 1958. In 1969 he was appointed general manager and was named CEO in 1974, a position he held until 1991. From 1977 until 1995, he served as Zurich’s chairman, and had been Honorary chairman ever since.

“Fritz Gerber was a remarkable leader and is rightly considered one of the greatest company managers in Switzerland,” said Michel Liès, Zurich’s chairman. “At Zurich, his leadership was characterized by a far-sightedness, a strategic mindset and an ability to bring out the best in people. He significantly contributed to Zurich’s strategic positioning and commercial success.”

Group CEO Mario Greco said: “We will miss his passion, his prudence and his clear thinking. We would like to thank Fritz Gerber for everything he did for our company.”