Swiss Re has appointed Tavaziva Madzinga as its new UK & Ireland CEO.

He succeeds Frank O’Neill, who stepped down from the position in September to “pursue other interests”.

Madzinga, who will assume his new role from 1 January 2019, currently serves as market executive for the Middle East & Africa across both property & casualty (P&C) and life & health (L&H).

Based in London, he will remain a member of the group’s EMEA management team.

Madzinga joined Swiss Re in Zurich in 2016 following a 16-year career at South African insurer Old Mutual, most recently as regional CEO for South and East Africa.

Russell Higginbotham, CEO Reinsurance EMEA said: “I am delighted to have Tava as the leader of our business in the UK and Ireland. His strong and successful leadership of the Middle East & Africa region shows that he is the ideal candidate to lead and grow our UKI business.

“This appointment also shows our intention to continuously develop and grow the strong bench of talent we have at Swiss Re."

The reinsurer said that the search for Madzinga’s successor in the Middle East & Africa is underway.