Zurich appoints new UK CEO following regional leadership shake-up

Zurich UK has appointed Tim Bailey  as its new chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Tulsi Naidu who has been named CEO of the company's Asia Pacific business as part of a major  overhaul of its regional leadership.

Bailey, who is currently group chief operating officer for EMEA, will take on the role of UK CEO subject to board and regulatory approvals.

He has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance sector and has worked in several key roles across the Zurich Group. Previous roles he has held include; CEO of life and investments (Australia), chief risk officer and head of strategy for the global life business. Bailey is said to have spearheaded Zurich's approach in EMEA on major issues such as COVID-19, and response to Brexit.

Current UK CEO Naidu will join the Zurich Group executive committee to take over as regional CEO of the Asia Pacific from the 1st January 2021. She has led the UK business since 2016.

Bailey said: "I’m delighted to be taking on the role of UK CEO from 1 January and to be re-joining the UK business, where I started my career in insurance over 20 years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the UK team for the last year as EMEA COO and seen the tremendous progress that has been made under Tulsi’s leadership. I’m looking forward to joining such a talented leadership team, responding to the rapidly-changing environment and continuing to deliver great service to our UK customers and distribution partners."

Naidu commented: “I am honoured to be asked to take on the role of CEO of APAC and I’m really looking forward to this next challenge which represents a significant growth opportunity for the Group. I have loved my time working with the UK team and the progress we have made in this key market for the Group. I have every confidence the business will maintain its strong momentum moving forwards and I see a very bright future ahead. The business is in great shape and well poised for the next chapter.

“I couldn’t leave the UK business in safer hands. Tim has two decades of extensive global experience across the Zurich Group and I am really confident he will provide the leadership to take the business forward on the next stage of its journey.”