Zurich appoints Julian Lopez to CEO Spain
Zurich, September 14, 2005 - Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) announced the appointment of Julian Lopez (50) to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its business in Spain effective April 1, 2006. José Cela (61), CEO Spain since 1994, will retire at that date. Julian Lopez will report to Dieter Wemmer, CEO Europe General Insurance, and be part of the European General Insurance Executive Committee.
Dieter Wemmer said: "I would like to thank José Cela for his outstanding service and huge achievements in his long career at Zurich. I am happy that Julian Lopez is a successor who will assure continuity and bring along the leadership skills to move Zurich Spain forward on the successful path charted by José over the past years. I expect Julian to further strengthen our market position in Spain and drive the operation for continued profitable growth."
Julian Lopez joined Zurich in 1998 as head of Personal Lines in Spain. He serves as Head of Área de Negocio Zurich, where he has been responsible for market management, General Insurance underwriting and distribution for the consumer and small business segments. In addition, he is currently leading the European-wide effort to advance the management of tied agents within The Zurich Way, the Group's program to install sustained operational excellence.
