Prominent financial services figure Tony Ash has returned to Sydney as Zurich’s business operations manager, after spending nearly a year as Zurich Personal Financial Services Queensland state manager.
In the newly created role, Ash, whose previous roles include 18 months as Bleakleys chief executive officer, will focus on building Zurich’s NSW-based funds management and life operations. He joined Zurich about three years ago as a consultant reviewing distribution strategies.
His move to Sydney comes about as a result of a restructure within Zurich’s distribution operations. Replacing Tony Ash in the Queensland state manager role is Michael Oliver, who was formerly Queensland business manager. Oliver joined Zurich two years ago after being Connelly Temple Queensland marketing manager.
Other changes to Zurich’s retail investment distribution team have been made in a bid to strengthen the group’s funds management business.
Former NSW business manager Jihad Essa moves to the newly created position of business manager master funds and wrap accounts. Essa has spent five years with Zurich, which he joined from Citibank Adviser Services. Replacing Essa as NSW business manager is Jim Brooks who has seven years experience with Zurich, most recently as a financial adviser.
In another shift, Zurich Personal Financial Services Victoria and Tasmania state manager George Fellows takes on the additional role of managing Western Australia and South Australia funds management and life operations.
And Tony Schiavello joins the group as Victoria business development manager from ANZ Funds Management. Schiavello has a broad history in financial services, including time as an independent financial adviser and 11 years in various roles with National Mutual (AXA).
