Robin Cooper-Driver (pictured, left) has been named as head of financial lines, APAC. Meanwhile, Edward Rayfield (pictured, right) will take on the position of head of casualty, APAC.
Both will be based in Singapore.
In their new roles, Cooper-Driver and Rayfield will be responsible for the oversight and expansion of Zurich’s financial lines and casualty portfolios in the region.
They will collaborate with in-country teams to enhance underwriting capabilities and execute Zurich’s strategic growth initiatives.
Liam Burrell, CEO of Zurich Singapore and head of commercial insurance for Asia, said that the appointments align with the company’s objectives for growth in the region.
“Their deep technical knowledge, geographic experience and strong market relationships will be instrumental in delivering leading solutions to our brokers and customers as well as driving profitable growth through underwriting excellence across our Asia-Pacific businesses,” he said.
Cooper-Driver brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his new role, including 13 years with Zurich.
His most recent role was head of long tail lines for Australia and New Zealand, as well as head of financial lines for APAC. He has held various leadership roles at Zurich Australia, contributing significantly to the company’s growth.
Rayfield, who joins Zurich from AIG, previously served as head of casualty for Singapore and major accounts in Asia.
With over 14 years of experience across the London, Australia, and Asia casualty insurance markets, Rayfield has a proven track record in building strong teams and managing portfolios.
Both will report to Burrell as they assume their new roles.
In a separate development, Zurich Singapore has named Nixon Ooi as head of accident and health.
Ooi will be responsible for overseeing the underwriting, portfolio management, and the development of new offerings within this segment. He will report to Alexandra Cowley, chief underwriting officer for Zurich Singapore.
Ooi brings over a decade of industry experience to Zurich, having most recently held the position of head of accident and health at Chubb. He has also worked in underwriting roles with Tokio Marine Life and InterGlobal.
Cowley said that Ooi’s experience in the accident and health sector, combined with his deep understanding of the regional market, will support Zurich’s efforts to expand its presence in the sector.
These leadership changes coincide with the release of Zurich Insurance Group’s financial results for the first half of 2024.
The company reported a business operating profit (BOP) of $3.99 billion, up from $3.72 billion during the same period in 2023. Net income attributable to shareholders increased to $3.03 billion from $2.49 billion in the previous year.
