Zurich bolsters UK leadership with first chief sustainability officer

Zurich Insurance Group has tapped its UK chief operating officer (COO) to take up the role of chief sustainability officer, a new position on its executive team for the country.

John Keppel will lead the insurer's sustainability strategy in the UK, with Anita Fernqvist, currently chief data officer, taking over his responsibilities as COO and joining the UK executive team. Both new roles will take effect from July 2022, subject to regulatory approval.

Keppel will continue to hold responsibilities for UK engineering and the customer office. Fernqvist will be responsible for leading Zurich UK's digital, data, operations and IT strategy and response to technological advancement.

Prior to his five-year tenure as COO at Zurich, Keppel spent over two decades in management consultancy working with Capgemini and Accenture.

Fernqvist joined Zurich from IBM 17 years ago. She has worked in a range of operations and technology including head of business change and IT, head of COO office, head of central operations and most recently chief data officer.

Zurich said sustainability is at the core of its business strategy, and is reinforced by its global ambition to become one of the world’s most responsible and impactful companies.

Keppel commented: “I’m really excited to lead our journey to becoming one of the most responsible and impactful companies in the world. We’ve made strong progress over the last few years but there is so much more to be done. Creating this new role demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, and I am so proud to be the one to take the lead and demonstrate this commitment in practice.”

Fernqvist added: “Having lived and breathed Operations for a number of years, I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a brilliant team. I have always been passionate about data and technology, and this role will allow me to enjoy the best of both worlds. I very much look forward to the next stage of the journey in which we seek to build on the great momentum already in place.”

Tim Bailey (pictured), UK CEO, said: “I’m very pleased to see our internal talent and succession plans come to life through this move. Both John and Anita are hugely valued, and talented members of the team and I’m delighted to see Anita join our UK Executive Committee.

“We are hugely committed to sustainability and the appointment of John is testament to us driving this forward with our senior leadership team at the helm.”