Zurich elects Liès to succeed Swaan as chairman in 2018

Zurich Insurance Group has announced that Michel Liès will succeed Tom de Swaan as new chairman of its board. Swaan has been a member of Zurich’s board since 2006 and chairman since 2013.

The company said that its board of directors will propose the election of Liès as chairman at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held April 4, 2018.

Liès has served in the global re/insurance sector for almost 40 years culminating in four years as Group CEO of Swiss Re, a position he held until June 2016. Liès was also the chairman of global partnerships at Swiss Re.

"On behalf of the Board, I look forward to welcoming Michel to Zurich," Swaan commented. "This was a rigorous selection process, with high-quality candidates from across the business spectrum, which is evident in the fact that we are able to attract someone of Michel’s talents and experience.

"He 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. In the fast-changing environment in which we operate, his intellect, deep grounding in insurance and ability to deliver results will reinforce both the Board and the business. I look forward to a smooth transition as we prepare for his election at the 2018 AGM."

Liès said: "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."

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