James Tait appointed new Head of Zurich Corporate Risk

James was previously CEO across North America, APAXC and UK/Europe at UnderwriteMe, a global Life Protection quotation platform for financial advisers which offers a suite of underwriting and claims automation software for insurers. James expanded UnderwriteMe internationally, achieved strong new business growth and brings with him a wealth of UK insurance market knowledge as well as extensive strategic leadership and risk management experience.

Prior to his role at UnderwriteMe, James was Head of Protection for Pacific Life Re, where he was responsible for their protection reinsurance business across the UK and Ireland.

Alex Koslowski, Head of UK Life, comments: “We are delighted to announce that James Tait will be joining our team in the new year, taking over from Cindy Warden who has decided to retire at the end of the year. Building on the rapid growth of Zurich Corporate Risk over the past six years, we want to continue growing the business into a top three Group Protection provider, leading the market on excellence in products, service and value. James brings with him a wealth of experience, market knowledge and leadership skills and will play an integral part in achieving this.

“I’d also like to take the chance to thank Cindy for her leadership and stewardship of Zurich Corporate Risk, over an incredible 35-year career. Cindy has taken Zurich Corporate Risk from a new entrant in the Group Protection market into a powerhouse that is one of the biggest and fastest growing Life Protection businesses in the UK. We wish her the best and thank her for her many years of excellent leadership and service to our customers and colleagues.”

Cindy Warden, Head of Zurich Corporate Risk, comments: “Zurich and the Corporate Risk team have been a huge part of both my career and life since I first joined in 1990. It’s been such a privilege to lead the Corporate Risk business, and I am deeply proud of everything we’ve achieved together.

“Growing to become one of the top Group Protection providers has been a team effort, and I leave with immense confidence in the future success of Zurich. As I move on to my next chapter, I am certain James will continue to build on this growth, and I look forward to seeing Zurich Corporate Risk thrive under his leadership.”

James Tait comments: "This is a really exciting opportunity for me to join Zurich’s Corporate Risk team, which is already one of the top Life Protection businesses in the UK.

“It’s refreshing to see Zurich put this business division at the heart of the global growth strategy. I’ve loved building my career in this sector as it’s a force for social good, playing a key role in helping support people back to work. As such, this is an important time for Corporate Risk to continue growing in relevance and I’m passionate about implementing this with my new team.”