Zurich names new UK commercial head

Zurich has appointed a new figure to take over the helm of its UK commercial insurance operations as Rob Kuchinski retires at the end of this month (December 2022).

Frank Streidl, currently the insurer’s UK head of energy, marine and construction, will succeed Kuchinski as head of commercial insurance in the UK on 1 January 2023.

Streidl joined Zurich in 2010 and has held a number of senior roles during his tenure, including head of energy for Europe, Middle East and Africa and global head of upstream energy.

Prior to starting at Zurich, Streidl was located in Germany – his roles during this time abroad included financial services consultant at Accenture and energy underwriter at Hannover Rück, also known as Hannover Re.

Steering strategy to ‘the next level’

Speaking on Streidl’s promotion, Zurich UK’s chief executive, Tim Bailey, said: “It’s with a heavy heart [that] we say goodbye to Rob, as he returns to the US to be with his family and enjoy his retirement.

“Rob has played an instrumental role in making our commercial insurance business the success it is today.

“Zurich has an abundance of very talented individuals - one of whom is Frank and I am delighted he is joining our executive committee to help us take the business to the next level.

“Rob is leaving the commercial insurance business in an extremely safe pair of hands and I look forward to working with Frank.”

Streidl added: “I’m very proud to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of people. In the last few years, we’ve successfully rebalanced our portfolio.

“I’m really looking forward to leading the commercial insurance team through the next stages of our strategy and joining the UK executive committee.”