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Zurich proposes former Swiss Re CEO Liès as chairman

  • Publish Date: Posted over 6 years ago

Zurich has nominated former Swiss Re CEO Michel Liès as its next chairman.

The company said that it will put Liès forward to succeed current chairman Tom de Swaan at its upcoming AGM in April.

Liès stepped down as CEO of Swiss Re in July 2016 after four years at the helm of the company and having served a total of 38 years with the reinsurer.

Commenting on the news, De Swaan said: “[Liès] 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”.

Liès joined Swiss Re in 1978, initially working in the life market before transitioning into the non-life sector in 1994. In 2000, he was appointed head of European property and casualty at Swiss Re before being promoted to head of client markets and a member of the Swiss Re executive committee in 2005. Following a short stint as the reinsurer’s chairman of global partnerships, he was named group CEO in 2012.

Externally, Liès has served as chairman of the Global Reinsurance Forum and a board member of the Geneva Association.

Meanwhile, De Swaan has been Zurich chairman since 2013, having joined the Zurich board in 2006.

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,” remarked Liès.