November 14, 2006. Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) announces a new structure for UK General Insurance, following on from the news that, subject to regulatory approval, Guy Munnoch will succeed Ian Stuart as CEO with effect from 1 January 2007.
The new structure of UK General Insurance is designed to provide a clear focus on key market audiences, in addition to placing Zurich in a strong position to achieve profitable growth. There will be four market facing roles as follows:
· Broker. David Smith will become Managing Director, Broker. He will be responsible for all commercial and personal business transacted via intermediaries.
· Commercial Direct. Rob Allison will become Managing Director, Commercial Direct, responsible for direct commercial business, continuing Zurich's focus on the public sector.
· Retail. Mark Searles will become Managing Director, Retail, responsible for all direct personal and small commercial business. He will also continue as Chief Marketing Officer in the UK.
· Partnerships. Zurich will be appointing a Managing Director to this role, who will be responsible for all business transacted via corporate partners and affinity groups. In the interim period, Adrian Saunders, Acting Head of Partnerships will take on this responsibility.
In addition to these four market-facing roles, Guy Munnoch's Executive Team will have six functional heads. There are two new appointments - Anne Torry as Chief Operating Officer and Tim Holliday as Chief Underwriting Officer. In addition, Penny James (Chief Financial Officer), Bill Paton (Chief Claims Officer), James Butler (UK General Counsel and Governance Director) and Phil Wood (Interim Head of HR) will continue in their existing roles.
Guy Munnoch, CEO UK General Insurance (designate) said: "By structuring the business and my team around our four key market audiences, we will strengthen our focus and demonstrate a clear commitment to our brokers, customers and partners. My new team, which will be effective from 1 January 2007, has tremendous experience and is positioned perfectly to achieve our ambitious growth plans.
For further information contact:
Susannah Mogg, Zurich Financial Services on 01489 561559 or 077340 76667
Notes to Editors:
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.
