Ackermann’s resignation takes effect immediately, Zurich said in a statement released this morning. Zurich’s vice chairman, Tom de Swaan, will be acting chairman until a permanent replacement is named, Zurich said.
Ackermann, who had headed up Deutsche Bank for a decade as chief executive until last May, was quoted in the statement as saying that Wauthier’s family “is of the opinion that I should take my share of responsibility” for his death, “as unfounded as any allegations might be”.
“As a consequence, I see the possibility of a continued successful board leadership to the benefit of Zurich called into question,” Ackermann added.
“To avoid any damage to Zurich’s reputation, I have decided to resign from all my board functions with immediate effect.”
Wauthier had been with Zurich for 17 years. As reported, his body was found at his home three days ago. Press reports since that time have quoted police in Zug, Switzerland, as saying that Wauthier, who was 53, had probably committed suicide.
Zurich said its board had accepted Ackermann’s decision “with deep regret”, and that its members had expressed their gratitude for his “dedicated leadership and valuable contribution to the success of the group”.
