Zurich appoints new group CUO

Zurich Insurance Group has announced that Penny Seach (pictured above left), currently chief underwriting officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will be promoted to the role of group chief underwriting officer effective Jan. 1. Seach will report to Sierra Signorelli, CEO of commercial insurance.

Seach will succeed current group CUP Hayley Robinson (pictured above right), who has held the role since June 2021. Robinson is stepping down at the end of the year for family health reasons.

“Penny is a very experienced and capable successor for this important role, which is also a testament to our strong internal talent pool,” Signorelli said. “She has successfully led the EMEA underwriting business, strengthened the team and further advanced alignment with the group’s strategy and governance. I am very confident that Penny will continue to successfully drive underwriting performance and ensure consistency across markets.”

Seach has more than 25 years of industry experience with various multinational insurance companies. She joined Zurich in 217.

Robinson will continue in her role through the end of the year. She will work with Seach to ensure a seamless transition.

“I would like to thank Hayley for her immense contribution to Zurich and the underwriting business since she joined the group in 2018,” Signorelli said. “She has been a tremendous asset to the commercial insurance team and a highly valued and respected colleague. I was saddened to hear of Hayley’s personal circumstances and her decision to step down from her role. I wish her and her family the very best for the future.”