New CEO for Zurich Insurance's Global Life Division in Asia Pacific
12 November, 2009
Hong Kong, 12 November 2009 - Zurich Insurance Group (Hong Kong) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Bardin to the position of CEO of its Asia Pacific Global Life Division, effective 1 December. The appointment reflects a deepening commitment by Zurich to accelerate its growth strategy in Asia, which the insurance group sees as the market with the greatest potential globally. A national of the United States, Mr. Bardin brings to the job over 30 years of industry experience and a solid understanding of Asia. He most recently served as Chief Executive, Insurance of Prudential Corporation Asia, where he was instrumental in boosting business revenue, recruiting a robust agent base and managing start-up operations. Based in Hong Kong, Mr. Bardin will report to David Sims, CEO Global Life Emerging Markets.
Philip Smith has assumed the position of CEO of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. In that role he will be responsible for implementing a new business model, further enhancing productivity, and building partnerships across the sub-region. Mr. Smith joined Zurich in 1984 and has been CEO Life Asia, and Beijing-based CFO for Greater China/SE Asia. He will report to Dan Bardin.
Zurich is committed to growing its life insurance business in Asia, and both Mr. Bardin and Mr. Smith will be central to that endeavour.
David Sims, CEO of Zurich Global Life Emerging Markets, commenting on the new appointment, said: "We're very excited that Dan Bardin will be driving our Global Life Asia Pacific business. He brings a wealth of Asia experience in the insurance sector and he is widely acknowledged as being an innovative and transformational business leader. He will be instrumental in helping us deliver our ambitious goals."
Mario Greco, CEO of Zurich Global Life Insurance, remarked: "Zurich's Global Life strategy is all about profitable growth. We see Asia as having one of the greatest potentials globally, and hiring leaders like Dan Bardin, who have the right mix of industry experience, cultural sensitivity and drive, underscores our firm commitment to building Zurich's Global Life presence in this dynamic region."
