Zurich Municipal, the UK's leading provider of insurance and risk management to the public services, has today announced the appointment of Tom Shewry to the newly created role of Head of Education. Tom will lead a dedicated team responsible for providing market driven solutions to meet the needs of independent funded schools (foundation schools, academies and independent schools), colleges and universities.
Tom's first challenge in his new role is to create a tailored service offering for schools, colleges and universities. By targeting the natural breaks between the different levels of education, rather than grouping them together under a single umbrella Zurich Municipal will be better equipped to offer multiple specialist services designed to cater for the individual needs of its customers.
"The insurance and risk management requirements for schools, colleges and universities vary dramatically because their primary activities and perceived threats are very different. While a top university may be concerned about damage caused to specialist equipment or the loss of research revenue, a school would be more concerned about the threat of arson. The new structure will ensure that Zurich is perfectly positioned to provide a uniquely, specialised service for each of its customers," said Tom.
Zurich Municipal has a vast amount of knowledge and experience of working within the education sector. This realignment is designed to strengthen the long-term relationship between Zurich Municipal and its customers and it is essential that it evolves in line with their needs.
A graduate of the University of Leeds, Tom joined Zurich from Ernst & Young in April 1999 to take up a role in reinsurance. He then moved to Zurich's Personal Lines division as Claims Finance Manager and later Programme Manager before taking on his latest role as Head of Education at Zurich Municipal.
For further information please contact Louise.naqvi@uk.zurich.com
Notes to Editors:
· Zurich Municipal is the leading provider of risk and insurance solutions to Britain's public services. The company employs nearly 600 staff dedicated to providing expert advice and support to public service providers. For information visit www.zurichmunicipal.com and there is a newsroom function at www.zurich.co.uk/Municipal/ZMHome/Newsroom/Introduction.htm.
· Zurich Municipal reached its 10th anniversary in March 2003 - a month that also marked the 100th anniversary of Zurich Municipal's predecessor organisation - Municipal Mutual Insurance.
· Zurich Municipal is part of Zurich Financial Services, 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.
· Zurich is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
