Zurich reshuffles top team in broker distribution shake up

Zurich is changing its broker distribution team’s model as it looks to split its focus on two core types of broker: UK national and local brokers, and global brokers based in the UK. Current head of UKGI Connor Brennan moves to the role of director of business development after just over a year in the role.

Zurich says it is aiming to become “more nimble” for a changing market. It has pledged that it remains committed to the broker market.

In its bid to become more agile, Zurich has split its broker distribution arm into two teams. One will focus on global brokers, while the other will focus on relationships with regional and national brokers.

The global broker team will be led by Caroline Pritchard, as part of Zurich’s commercial insurance business.

National and regional general insurance broker relationships will be looked after by a team led by Roy Standish, whose remit will be to create a “deeper and enhanced local presence.”

New hire Graham Boffey will lead Zurich’s approach to regional and local general insurance broker distribution. He takes on the freshly created head of UK distribution role. Previously Boffey worked as a consultant at KPMG and he has held a variety of roles at Aviva.

Boffey will also lead head up Zurich’s life and savings team.

Zurich has also announced the appointment of David White to the new role of head of retail management.

Wider restructure

The move is part of a wider restructure by Zurich.

In June 2016, it revealed a major shake-up of its reporting structure and management, when it brought its non-life and life divisions under the control of one team. Brennan was appointed as head of UKGI shortly after this in July 2016. 

In October, Zurich chief executive Mario Greco revealed that the insurer was halfway to saving its target of $1.5bn by 2019.