Global insurance firm Zurich has announced the appointment of a new regional Chief Executive Officer of Zurich in Asia Pacific, effective September 1, 2016.
Based in Hong Kong, Jack Howell will take up the position as the regional CEO of Zurich in Asia-Pacific. In his new role he will report to Mario Greco, Group Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance Group, the company said in a release.
Stuart Spencer, who holds the position of regional CEO of Zurich in Asia Pacific ad interim, will remain in the region working closely with Jack Howell.
Hired to Drive APAC Growth
Howell joins Zurich from Generali, where he held the role of Regional Officer for Asia since early 2015. He has over twenty years of industry knowledge and a successful track record in managing insurance businesses in the Asia Pacific region, including CEO positions in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia at AIG and Prudential.
Commenting on the move Greco said, «Jack’s extensive experience coupled with his leadership capabilities make him the ideal person to strengthen our position in Asia Pacific, where we see exciting potential to develop our business, he will continue to build our presence in the region and drive profitable growth.»
Asian Commitment
Earlier this year as finews.asia reported at the time, the insurer acted to clarify its position addressing media reports that had hinted at the possibility of Zurich exploring an exit from some parts of Asia
Reports had intimated that the insurance giant was exploring the disposal of its Hong Kong and Singapore businesses to focus on other core units.
