New UK head of captives at Zurich

Zurich UK has appointed Esme Gould as UK head of captives, effective from 1 April 2023. Gould will lead Zurich’s team of six UK captive underwriters to develop and grow new and existing captive programmes. The move follows Emma Sansom’s recent appointment as Zurich group head of captives.

Bernadette Hackett, Zurich’s head of customer and distribution management, said: “Esme is a talented leader, and brings with her deep insight and knowledge of our business and the market. She was the outstanding candidate to lead our captives business in the UK. Her appointment reflects the strength and diversity of our internal talent pool.”

Gould is currently head of heavy industry in Zurich’s energy, marine and construction team. Prior to this, she held a number of energy underwriting positions with Zurich since joining the company in 2014.

Gould said: “I’m thrilled to take on this role at such an exciting time for the captive industry. We see lots of opportunities for businesses to establish and manage captives in innovative and cost-effective ways. I’m looking forward to exploring these opportunities with new and existing customers, and our distribution networks.”