RSA reshuffles Middle East leadership; appoints CEOs Martin Rueegg and Praveen Kumar

RSA has hired Martin Rueegg from AXA to be its new chief executive (CEO) of the Middle East and UAE, replacing Lloyd East who will move to RSA’s Canadian operation Johnson to become vice president of strategic operations and chief operating officer (COO). Rueegg will take up his new post in September.

In his previous role, Rueegg was AXA’s general insurance managing director for Hong Kong, and also served as CEO of AXA Corporate Solutions, Hong Kong. He worked for the French headquartered insurer for almost 25 years, joining AXA Winterthur in 1994 where he held various roles including CEO of Aviation Insurance.

His Middle East and UAE CEO predecessor, East, joined RSA in May 2009 as group director of marketing effectiveness before taking on the role of CEO of RSA’s Oman business Al Ahlia in 2011. East became CEO for the Middle East and Oman in 2014. Prior to joining RSA, he held senior roles at Principle Insurance Holdings and the AA.

East moves to RSA's Johnson to succeed Louisa Leonard, who left her post in May to become chief operating officer of RSA UK & International. Rueegg takes the reins in UAE following the departure of former UAE CEO Chris Dooley.

As part of the regional reshuffle, the post of CEO in Oman will be taken up by Praveen Kumar, who was previously chief financial officer (CFO) for Middle East.

Further senior level changes include the promotion of Elena Stukanova to Middle East CFO from her previous role of CFO of UAE and Bahrain, and Miron Kibria, risk and compliance director for the Middle East, will succeed Kumar to become CFO for Oman.

Scott Egan, CEO at RSA UK & International, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to his new role at what is an exciting time for our Middle East business. Martin has all the skills necessary to ensure that our operations in the Middle East go from strength to strength.

I’d also like to thank Lloyd for his contribution to the UK&I region, and wish him all the best in his new role at Johnson, where I am certain he will add great value to our Canadian colleagues.”

Rueegg added: “RSA’s Middle East business is one of the best performers within the RSA Group and I can’t wait to take the helm. It is an exciting new chapter for the RSA in the region as we look to build on the strong foundations Lloyd has created for the business in the Middle East.”

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