Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) has appointed Stephen Lewis (40) to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), General Insurance in the United Kingdom, effective October 5, 2009.
In this role he will report to Markus Hongler, CEO Western Europe. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Mr. Hongler said: “I am delighted to appoint someone of Stephen’s calibre to take over this role in one of the UK’s leading general insurance businesses. His broad industry knowledge will enable him to build on the success of our UK business and take it to the next level.”
Mr. Lewis joined the Zurich Group in 1989 and held numerous finance and operational roles in the UK. In 2002 he became Finance Director for Zurich’s Asia Pacific region, responsible for driving improved performance in the region. Since then he has been responsible for Finance and Operations in Zurich’s Global Corporate business and most recently has been Head of Group Operations, Planning and Performance Management for the Zurich Group, based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Guy Munnoch (57) CEO, General Insurance in the UK since 2006, will become CEO of Zurich’s Southern African region, effective October 5, 2009. He will become a member of Zurich’s Europe General Insurance (EGI) Executive Committee and report directly to Annette Court, CEO EGI.
Annette Court said: “I’m obviously delighted that I can appoint a CEO with Guy’s significant experience and success to take over the lead in this important growth region for Zurich.
Nick Beyers (62) CEO Southern Africa will retire, effective October 2009. Having joined what was then South African Eagle as a Claims Superintendent in 1971, Mr Beyers went on to become CEO Southern Africa in 1998.
Annette Court commented: “After 38 dedicated years of service to Zurich, we wish Nick all the best for his retirement”.
