Zurich appoints Guy Munnoch CEO Southern Africa to take over from Nick Beyers who has decided to retire by year end
Zurich/Johannesburg, July 31, 2009 – Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) has announced that Nick Beyers (62) has decided to step down effective October 5, 2009 as CEO, Southern Africa. To ensure a smooth external market transition, Nick has agreed to remain with the Group until he officially retires on December 31, 2009. Having joined what was then South African Eagle as a Claims Superintendent in 1971, he progressed through a number of senior roles in claims, business development and business management to become CEO Southern Africa in 1998.
Annette Court, CEO of Zurich’s Europe General Insurance (EGI) division of which Southern Africa is a part commented: “I thank Nick for his outstanding service to the Group and Southern Africa over so many years. He has also been a valued colleague, a recognised industry leader and we wish him all the best for his retirement”.
Zurich has appointed Guy Munnoch (57) CEO of Zurich’s Southern African region, effective October 5, 2009. He will become a member of Zurich’s Europe General Insurance (EGI) Executive Committee which reports to Annette Court, CEO EGI.
Mr. Munnoch joined the Zurich Group in 1997 and in 2001 became Managing Director of Zurich Municipal, the leading provider of risk and insurance solutions to Britain’s public services. In 2005 Mr. Munnoch was appointed Managing Director for Zurich Commercial and Municipal which was formed through the merger of Zurich’s commercial businesses in the UK. As CEO of Zurich’s general insurance businesses in the UK for the last three years he has significantly transformed the business positioning it for continued success.
Annette commented: “I’m obviously delighted that we can appoint a CEO with Guy’s experience and success to take over the lead in this important growth region for Zurich”.
Note to editors Zurich in South Africa is a short-term insurance company headquartered in Johannesburg and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Founded in 1965, it offers insurance products and services that respond to the needs of individual, commercial and corporate customers. It has a network of sales areas and a series of service outlets across the country, and employs approximately 1,000 people. In addition, it has subsidiaries locally as well as in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries.
