The Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) Board of Directors has put Michel Liès forward for election as Chairman at the upcoming April, 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Lies is proposed to succeed Tom de Swaan who has held the position since 2013 and been a board member since 2006.
Tom de Swaan, Chairman of the Board and of the Governance, Nominations & Corporate Responsibility Committee, said; “On behalf of the Board, 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.”
Liès served as Group CEO of Swiss Re for four years until June 2016, and with nearly 40 years of experience in global insurance and reinsurance, he brings an extensive network within the insurance sector.
During his time as Group CEO, he has worked across life and non-life segments, with responsibility for growing businesses across Europe and in South America.
He also acted as Chairman of Global Partnerships at Swiss Re – a segment which works with governments and international bodies to identify ways to jointly mitigate and address global risks.
Liès, added; “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 realizing its full potential as a leader in the sector.”
