Growth a target for Zurich’s new retail chief

Zurich UK’s newly appointed UK head of retail has said he sees opportunities for sustained growth in the year ahead.

The insurer yesterday (6 December 2022) appointed David Nichols to the role, which will become effective from 1 January 2023.

The move sees Nichols promoted from his current role as Zurich’s UK chief claims officer.

“It’s an exciting time to lead Zurich’s retail business,” Nichols said. “With an exceptionally talented team and momentum in the market, I see strong opportunities for sustained growth.

”I’m looking forward to working with brokers to maximise trading opportunities, deepen our relationships and serve our customers in the best way we can.”

Accomplished leader

In 2016, Nichols was appointed UK chief operating officer at Zurich UK before taking on his current role as chief claims officer in 2017.

He joined Zurich in 2004 as head of small business for commercial insurance and has since held a variety of roles during his 18 year stint at the firm, including director of technical operations for general insurance and customer operations director for the then Zurich-owned Endsleigh Insurance Services. 

Prior to joining Zurich, he spent time at Aviva across a number of different roles.

Tim Bailey, Zurich’s UK chief executive, added: “David is a highly accomplished leader, with a deep understanding of our business.

”He is widely respected for his strong customer and broker focus and passion for using technology to deliver faster and more efficient services. David’s breadth of strategic and operational expertise make him the outstanding candidate to drive our retail business forward. His appointment is testament to the strength of our internal talent pool.”

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.