Zurich Financial Services has appointed Geoff Riddell as Chief Executive of its General Insurance Business in the UK, Ireland and Southern Africa. Subject to regulatory approval, he succeeds Patrick O’Sullivan, who moves to a new role as Zurich’s Group Finance Director.
Geoff Riddell joined Zurich Financial Services in the UK in 2000 to head its Commercial business and shortly thereafter was appointed to lead its Corporate and Government business. Before joining Zurich, he held management positions at American International Group, focusing on the international finance, reinsurance and retail insurance businesses. Geoff Riddell is a member of the ABI’s General Insurance Council and Chair of the ABI Liability Committee.
Geoff Riddell will report to Sandy Leitch, Chief Executive of Zurich Financial Services in the UK, Ireland, Southern Africa (UKISA) and Asia/Pacific Business Division and work closely with John Amore, CEO of Zurich North America Corporate, in John’s role as group-wide leader of Zurich’s Non-life business.
Commenting on Geoff Riddell’s appointment, John Amore said: "The UK is a core market for Zurich Financial Services. I look forward to working closely with Geoff in developing a consistent group-wide approach to a profitable Non-life business’’.
Sandy Leitch added: "Geoff has demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities over the last two years and is a worthy successor to Patrick. He has played a pivotal role in the transformation of our General business and I am delighted that he will now be leading this business forward."
Geoff Riddell
PERSONAL
Born: 1956 - age 46
Married: to Eileen with one daughter Jennifer
Educated: Loretto in Musselburgh, Scotland
The Queens College, Oxford
Degree: Chemistry
CAREER
1978 – 1982 Price Waterhouse CoopersAccountant
1982 – 2000 American International GroupFinance, IT, Strategic Planning and AdministrationUS and International Corporate Business, Facultative Reinsurance Placement and Administration
2000 – present Zurich Financial Services
Initially Managing Director of Zurich Commercial. Soon after appointed Managing Director of Corporate andGovernment businesses.
AFFILIATIONS
Association of British Insurers
Member of ABI General Insurance Council since 2000; Chairman of Liability Committee
INTERESTS
Sports: Hockey, Golf
