Zurich picks new group chief underwriting officer following departure

Zurich Insurance Group has appointed a new group chief underwriting officer as Hayley Robinson, who has held the role since June 2021, has decided to step down at the end of the year for family health reasons.

Penny Seach (Pictured), currently chief underwriting officer EMEA, has been appointed to the role of group CUO, effective January 1, 2023. Seach will report to Sierra Signorelli, CEO Commercial Insurance.

Seach has more than 25 years of insurance experience with various multinational insurance companies, leading large diverse teams across geographies and disciplines. She joined Zurich in 2017.

“Penny is a very experienced and capable successor for this important role, which is also a testament to our strong internal talent pool,” said Signorelli. “She has successfully led the EMEA underwriting business, strengthened the team and further advanced alignment with the Group’s strategy and governance. I am very confident that Penny will continue to successfully drive underwriting performance and ensure consistency across markets.”

Signorelli added: “I would like to thank Hayley for her immense contribution to Zurich and the underwriting businesses since she joined the Group in 2018. She has been a tremendous asset to the Commercial Insurance team and a highly valued and respected colleague. I was saddened to hear of Hayley's personal circumstances and her decision to step down from her role. I wish her and her family the very best for the future.”

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