Zurich names new group CUO in latest restructure to sharpen underwriting focus

Zurich Insurance Group has appointed Sierra Signorelli to an expanded role of group chief underwriting officer, while moving the group claims function led by Ian Thompson under the commercial insurance unit as part of its latest restructuring efforts.

As part of the changes, group claims will become part of the commercial insurance unit and Thompson will continue to serve as group chief claims officer. Both Signorelli and Thompson will report to James Shea, CEO of commercial insurance.

The company said that bringing the claims and underwriting functions together under one structure and leadership will help sharpen its underwriting focus and improve capabilities across the organisation.

Signorelli, who is currently CUO for commercial insurance, will oversee the underwriting function across the group in her new role. She will focus on solidifying the underwriting culture by balancing experience, local and technical knowledge with investment in data, ensuring underwriters are well-positioned to make the appropriate risk selection decisions.

Signorelli has more than 20 years of underwriting experience having held leadership positions in the US and Asia Pacific. Since joining Zurich in 2017, she is said to have repositioned the commercial insurance underwriting function and strengthened its resilience.