Zurich makes senior appointments with commercial unit launch
Zurich Insurance Group has made a series of appointments as it plans to combine its corporate and commercial businesses into a single commercial insurance unit.
Spearheading this new unit as chief executive officer is James Shea, who has 20 years of experience and joins from AIG, where he served as president of global financial lines.
Further to Shea’s appointment, Thomas Hürlimann steps down as CEO of global corporate, and will work closely with Shea to assist with his transition.
Mario Greco, group chief executive officer, said: “Combining our corporate and commercial businesses will allow us to better utilise our skills, systems and capabilities in the individual countries and across the world, and to unite our customer interaction and go-to-market approach worldwide. James’ in-depth market knowledge and extensive expertise make him the perfect match to lead this exciting new venture.”
“I want to thank Thomas for his excellent contribution and loyalty to Zurich since joining in 2003, and his dedication to developing Global Corporate into the first address in risk management for multinational companies.”
Furthermore, Zurich’s board of directors has appointed James Shea, Claudia Dill, CEO Latin America, and Jack Howell, CEO Asia Pacific, as members of the Executive Committee, effective October 1.
Dill joined Zurich in 1999 and has held various leadership positions while at Zurich, and was appointed CEO of general insurance for Latin America in May 2015 and CEO of Latin America in June 2016.
Howell has over 20 years of industry experience, and has managed insurance business in the Asia Pacific region.
Greco added: “Claudia, James and Jack will be excellent additions to the Executive Committee team as they will provide insights and profound knowledge of their respective businesses and regions.”
Zurich has also created a global specialty lines function within the commercial insurance unit that will include credit lines, marine, aviation and energy.
