Butler takes over as Zurich chief
Zurich Financial Services Australiaformer chief operating officer John Butler has become chief executive officer (CEO) effective immediately, following the decision by former chief executive Malcolm Jones to depart the group.
Butler joined Zurich three years ago in the chief financial officer position. This was followed with the job of heading up the group’s general insurance operations before becoming chief operating officer in September 2000.
Speaking on his new role, Butler says recent growth of Zurich’s Australian business and the successful turnaround of the group’s general insurance business in the past three years provides a strong future outlook.
“Zurich has experienced significant growth in its business in recent years and is well positioned for this to continue in the future. Overall, it is a great time to be in this business,” he says.
Before joining Zurich, Butler was a senior vice president withBankers Trust Australia. He has also worked as an executive manager withCitibankand been a partner with law firmErnst & Young.
Jones, who was CEO for Zurich Australia for three and a half years, has also been CEO for Zurich Asia Pacific since October 2000. However the restructuring of management positions within the group has seen this role abolished.
Three smaller business units - India, Greater China and Australia & Other Markets - replace the larger Asia Pacific region unit, with Zurich Financial Services head office executive Gunnar Stokholm taking on the regional role of head of Australia & Other Markets. Stokholm will be relocated from the Zurich head office to somewhere within the region.
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