Zurich promotes internally for new UK chief sustainability officer

Zurich has promoted chief operating officer (COO) John Keppel to the new role of UK chief sustainability officer.

As chief sustainability officer, Keppel will continue to work for Zurich’s UK engineering line and customer office, alongside driving the business to become “one of the most responsible and impactful companies in the world”, he said.

Prior to his five-year tenure as COO, Keppel spent over two decades of his career working for management consultant brands like Capgemini and Accenture.

He therefore has an in-depth understanding of the insurer’s supplier network and facilities, as well as end-to-end UK business.

Internal succession

The insurer’s current chief data officer Anita Fernqvist will succeed Keppel as COO.

In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the business’ digital, data, operations and IT strategy – building on the “great momentum already in place”, she said.

Fernqvist joined Zurich from computer hardware firm IBM 17 years ago and has since worked in a range of roles including head of business change and IT, COO and head of central operations.

Both promotions will take effect from 1 July 2022, subject to regulatory approval.

Zurich UK chief executive Tim Bailey said: “I’m very pleased to see our internal talent and succession plans come to life through this move.

“Both John and Anita are hugely valued and talented members of the team. I’m delighted to see Anita join our UK executive committee.

“We are hugely committed to sustainability and the appointment of John is testament to us driving this forward with our senior leadership team at the helm.”