16 September 2005. Zurich today announced the appointment of Mark Searles as UK Marketing Director.
Joining from Lloyds TSB, where he was Marketing and Group Brand Director, Mark, 44, brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked across some of the most prestigious financial services brands in the UK, in a variety of senior marketing and general management roles.
In his new role at Zurich, Mark will be responsible for developing an integrated approach to marketing across all business lines in the UK including General Insurance and Life as well as being involved in global brand development.
He reports to Ian Stuart, CEO UK General Insurance and will also report into the Zurich's European Centre to ensure consistency of marketing development. Mark will primarily be based in Fareham.
Fiona Nicol, recently appointed as UK Marketing Communications Director, will report to Mark, and will focus on the effective implementation of all Marketing Communications activity across the UK. Fiona joins from Zurich Australia where she was Head of Marketing.
Mark comments: "I am really excited by this new role at Zurich. This is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the global Zurich brand to help drive the business in the UK. The brand is already well respected as offering excellent products across all sectors, valuing customers and treating other stakeholders fairly and with respect. I intend to build on this and continue its growth across the UK and globally".
Ian Stuart, CEO Zurich Financial Services UK comments: "Technical expertise is essential to all insurance professionals, but an understanding of the customer, the way they think and speak is equally important. Mark brings a fund of expertise to his role which I believe is pivotal in helping us reach customers and attain our goal of becoming a leading insurer in our chosen markets."
For further information, please contact:
Nicola Bryson, Media Relations Consultant,
Tel : 01793 503354/07734 336281
