Michel Liès to succeed Tom de Swaan as Zurich chair

Former Swiss Re CEO Michel Liès is set to become the next chairman of Zurich Insurance Group.

Mr Liès is due to be elected to the post by Zurich’s board of directors at the company’s AGM in April 2018. He will succeed Tom de Swaan, who has been a member of the board since 2006 and chairman since 2013.

Mr Liès spent his 40-year career in various positions at Swiss Re and served as group CEO for the past four years, to June 2016. Mr Liès was also chairman of global partnerships at Swiss Re, working with government, international development and NGOs to mitigate global risks and increase resilience.

Mr De Swaan said: “I look forward to welcoming Michel to Zurich. This was a rigorous selection process, with high quality candidates from across the business spectrum, which is evident in the fact that we are able to attract someone of Michel’s talents and experience.

“He brings a wealth of skill and insight gained from a very successful career in our sector, which, combined with his experience at the helm of an important Swiss company, make him the ideal next chairman. In the fast-changing environment in which we operate, his intellect, deep grounding in insurance and ability to deliver results will reinforce both the board and the business. I look forward to a smooth transition as we prepare for his election at the 2018 AGM.”

Mr Liès said: “I am delighted to be joining Zurich, a business I have held in high regard for many years. I have worked extensively with insurance companies and understand the challenging and exciting landscape we are now in. I am also equally aware of Zurich’s strengths and the opportunities that lie ahead for it, and look forward to contributing to it achieving its goals and realising its full potential as a leader in the sector.”

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