Zurich Commercial Insurance
James Shea has joined Zurich from AIG to head up the firm’s newly amalgamated commercial and corporate businesses. As the first chief executive of Commercial Insurance, Shea brings with him more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, having held senior roles in the US, UK, France, Japan and Singapore.
Zurich’s board of directors also appointed James Shea; Claudia Dill, chief executive Latin America; and Jack Howell, chief executive Asia Pacific, as members of the executive committee. These appointments, subject to regulatory approval, are effective as of 1 October 2016.
After working for Zurich Global Corporate over a decade, the last five of which as chief executive, Thomas Hürlimann has decided it is the right time for him to step down. He will work closely with Shea to ensure a smooth transition and continue to work on special projects reporting to the group chief executive.
HSBC Private Bank
Russell Schofield-Bezer has been named US head of investment services and product solutions at HSBC Private Bank. He will be responsible for the development and delivery of investment services and offerings to clients, the performance of discretionary and advisory mandates, and the development of new initiatives and product ideas for local distribution.
Having recently relocated from London to New York, Schofield-Bezer will report to Marlon Young, HSBC regional head of global private banking, US & Latin America; and Stuart Parkinson, chief of staff, HSBC Global Private Bank.
Pimco
Pimco has named Steve Chiu as senior vice president and head of Hong Kong retail. He joins Pimco from Manulife Asset Management Hong Kong where he was vice president of investment funds.
Pimco is looking to expand and deepen its relationships with private banks, retail banks and family offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as engage with potential clients in new markets including Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
To this end, the firm also appointed Stacie Wang in early August as head of China within the global wealth management team. She is responsible for building partnerships with intermediaries in China.
Quilter Cheviot
Nicholas Hawkins has joined Quilter Cheviot’s London-based investment team from Walker Crips Stockbrokers where he spent eight years. He will work with both intermediaries and direct private client introductions to develop new business opportunities.
At Quilter Cheviot, Hawkins will be part of executive director Tim Healy’s team, under the overall directorship of Andy McGlone, managing director, London Investment Management.
AJ Bell
Ryan Hughes has left fund management firm Apollo to join AJ Bell as head of fund selection. In the newly created role, Hughes will join the team responsible for expanding the investment solutions offered by AJ Bell Investments.
Prior to his role as fund manager at Apollo, Hughes was senior fund manager at Old Mutual Global Investors, working across the firm’s multi-asset fund range.
Creechurch Capital
Discretionary fund manager Creechurch Capital has appointed Iain Ramsay as a senior analyst in its investment team. He joins from AVI Fund Solutions where he was a business development manager.
During his time at AVI, Ramsay gained experience across the offshore financial sector travelling to territories including the Middle East, Latin America and southeast Asia.
Avignon Capital
European property investment and asset management company, Avignon Capital has appointed Patrick Flaton as chief financial and operating officer. He will focus on implementing the firm’s European expansion strategy.
Flaton brings over 18 years’ experience to the role, having worked as a managing partner and chief financial and operating officer for several private equity firms.
