Zurich Financial Services announced today that after more than 25 years with Zurich, Peter Eckert, group chief operating officer, is to retire at the end of February.
James Schiro, Zurich chief executive, said: “Peter served as an invaluable source of advice, judgement and support, and his tireless commitment to the group and its people was exemplary. Peter's business experience, management capabilities and industry knowledge will be missed, while his passion, wit and personal charm will be remembered.”
Eckert joined the group in 1980 as chief executive of Zurich's Portuguese subsidiary, followed by an assignment as chief executive of Zurich Australia. In 1991, he became a member of the group executive committee with responsibilities over Asia, Australia, Latin America and Southern Europe. Three years later, he was appointed CEO of Zurich's Swiss operations, which he ran until 2001. In 2001, he was asked to build up a European Business Division, but had to hand over this project in early 2002 when he was appointed group chief operating officer.
He also lent his expertise, intellect and extensive language skills to many other aspects of the Group's operations, ranging from overseeing Group IT Reinsurance, Discontinued Operations, the Centre runoff and Zurich's efforts in China. Outside the Group, he contributed to various industry bodies, culminating with his chairmanship of the European Insurance Association (known as the CEA) between 1998 and 2001.
