Former
Swiss Re Group CFO George Quinn will be taking over the position left vacant at
Zurich Insurance Group, following the tragic suicide death of Pierre Wauthier in August.
Quinn also becomes member of the Group Executive Committee, effective May 1, 2014, leaving Swiss Re Group where he served as CFO since March 2007.
“I am very pleased to welcome George Quinn to Zurich and our team. The wealth of experience he brings makes him a great addition to our Group,” said Martin Senn, CEO of Zurich. “We are delighted to welcome him at this important time as we implement the strategic direction for 2014-2016 outlined at our recent Investor Day. With his strong track record as CFO, George is very well positioned to contribute to the delivery on Zurich’s strategy and help take the company to the next level.”
Quinn was the Regional CFO for Swiss Re Americas based in New York. He joined Swiss Re in 1999 as Chief Accounting Officer based in Zurich and later served as CFO for Swiss Re Group’s Financial Services. Quinn started his career at KPMG in London where he held several positions working with the insurance and reinsurance industry.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Vibhu Sharma,” said Senn, “who is an excellent interim CFO while also maintaining his role as Group Controller. His strong leadership and deep financial expertise are invaluable for Zurich.”
Wauthier’s suicide caused shockwaves throughout the industry, spurring the resignation of Group Chairman Josef Ackermann, who took personally the suicide note that stated Wauthier had been demoralized by the new, aggressive tone under Ackermann.
Two independent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the suicide found Zurich to not be responsible for the death, and “found no indication that Pierre Wauthier was subjected to any undue or inappropriate pressure, and furthermore, the presentation of the financial figures was confirmed as appropriate”.
Sharma will remain interim CFO until May and will continue in his position as Group Controller.
Prior to his current role, Quinn was the Regional CFO for Swiss Re Americas based in New York.
He joined Swiss Re in 1999 as Chief Accounting Officer based in Zurich and later served as CFO for Swiss Re Group’s Financial Services. Quinn started his career at KPMG in London where he held several positions working with the insurance and reinsurance industry.
