Zurich North America has hired insurance executive James Bracken as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Peter Hirs, who is set to return to Zurich Insurance Group in Switzerland as Group Head of Mergers & Acquisitions.
As Zurich North America CFO, Bracken will be tasked with overseeing Actuarial, Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Corporate Tax, Treasury, Planning and Performance Management, and Finance Operations.
Bracken will report to Kristof Terryn, Zurich North America CEO, and will additionally be a member of the Zurich North America Executive Committee, the Zurich Group Leadership Team, the Zurich North America Leadership Team, and the Zurich Group Finance Executive Team.
He will be based at Zurich North America’s headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Aforementioned Kristof Terryn, commented on the appointment, “James’ extensive leadership experience in insurance prepares him well to lead our Finance function and contribute meaningfully on our North American leadership team.
“His predecessor paves the way for a smooth transition. I thank Peter for his strong stewardship throughout his 4+ years as our North America CFO, and I wish him continued success as we continue to work with him in his new Group role.”
Bracken holds more than 25 years of financial services experience, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer at Fortitude Re and CFO at AIG General Insurance.
Before AIG, Bracken worked in global finance and audit at GE Insurance, GE Capital and Arthur Andersen & Co.
Both Bracken and Hirs assume their new roles on July 1.
