Zurich continues data & technology boost with Big Four accounting firm hire

Zurich Insurance Group has hired a  PwC executive to oversee all aspects of data management and to help drive the group’s digital transformation. The move follows the recent hiring of Frank Verkerk as group chief platform officer and is a further senior addition to the group technology and operations team to drive  Zurich’s ambition to strengthen digital capabilities.

Peter Kasahara (pictured) will join Zurich in a newly created role of group chief data officer in October.

He will lead global data management and governance, develop new data analytics capabilities and products, and expand Zurich’s machine learning competencies. Kasahara will be based in Zurich, Switzerland, and report to Ericson Chan, group chief information and digital officer.

Kasahara comes from PwC, where he was the managing partner for PwC Digital Intelligence, providing corporate customers with data advice and solutions for their digital transformation. Before joining PwC, he held various senior leadership roles at IBM, including general manager of IBM iX in Europe and general manager of Analytics and Strategy Consulting in Europe. During his 14 years at IBM, Kasahara launched two business units to optimise data analytics capabilities and integrated three acquired companies.

“Peter is an accomplished and highly experienced data intelligence and digitalization professional and I am excited to welcome him to the company,” said Chan. “As we advance our customer-focused strategy, we are increasingly putting our customer’s data and insights to work in a responsible, transparent and ethical manner to improve customer experience. Peter’s appointment is another step towards our goal of taking a leadership position in building trust in how global companies use data and technology for good.”

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