Huber will work closely with the international business teams in three of Zurich’s key markets, including its largest international market, the Middle East.
Zurich confirmed to International Adviser that Clive Baker, chief executive of Zurich International Life based on the Isle of Man, has decided to leave the company after five years.
Walter Jopp, chief executive of Zurich – Middle East will report to Huber.
Zurich history
Huber was previously chief executive of Zurich’s global life business in Singapore, having joined the company in 2013 from Swiss Reinsurance Company.
From December 2015, Zurich International Life stopped writing new business in Singapore and withdrew from the life market as part of strategy aimed at re-focusing its resources on markets and customers segments in which it had a competitive advantage.
In August 2015, Huber became president director and chief executive of Zurich Topas Life, the group’s Indonesian life insurance business.
Of his latest appointment, Huber said: “I am really looking forward to the opportunity ahead and to building on the strengths the Zurich Group already has in international business so that we can continue to deliver market-leading protection and savings solutions to expatriates and internationally mobile individuals and employees of large companies.”
He will report to Patrick Manley, chief executive at Zurich Insurance and chief administrative officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Building position
Jopp added: “Zurich continues to evolve its business model to ensure we can deliver the best possible financial solutions to our customers. Zurich’s decision to strengthen its international business with the appointment of Peter Huber is testament to the group’s commitment to the Middle East market.
“Adding Peter’s wealth of experience and expertise will further enable us to build on our position as the leading protection and savings and investment solutions provider in the region.”
