Zurich announces EMEA leadership transition

AXA’s Amanda Blanc will join Zurich as CEO of Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) later this year, as Gary Shaughnessy steps down from the role.

Ms Blanc will also replace Mr Shaughnessy on Zurich’s executive committee when she joins the firm in the fourth quarter.

Mr Shaughnessy has decided to step down from his full-time role to ensure a balance between health, work, family and personal commitments following his diagnosis several years ago with Parkinson’s disease. He will, however, maintain other duties at the insurer.

Ms Blanc was appointed group CEO of AXA UK and Ireland in July 2016, having been CEO of AXA UK and Ireland General Insurance since January of that year. She joined AXA UK and Ireland’s board in 2011 when she was appointed CEO of AXA Insurance Commercial Lines. Ms Blanc is a member of the Association of British Insurers’ board and currently chairs the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Mr Shaughnessy will continue to serve as a member of various European subsidiary boards at Zurich. This includes Zurich Insurance Plc, the group’s main legal entity for writing non-life insurance business in Europe. He was appointed Zurich CEO of EMEA in July 2016.

Zurich’s group CEO Mario Greco said: “Gary is a passionate, values-based leader who embodies Zurich’s focus on people and customers. I’m especially grateful for the pivotal role that he has played in creating an integrated and successful EMEA organisation. We fully support Gary’s decision and are pleased that he has agreed to stay engaged with Zurich.”

Mr Greco added: “In Amanda we have identified a high-impact, proven people leader with deep experience and knowledge. Throughout her career in commercial insurance, broking and consulting she has consistently demonstrated a keen focus on customer needs, people engagement and profitability. Amanda is also an outspoken thought leader on the impact that digital capabilities will have on our markets. She’ll be a strong addition to the executive committee.”