Thomas Buess COO Life Insurance business  

Zurich, September 20, 2004 – Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) today announced the appointment of Thomas Buess (47) to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Zurich’s Life Insurance business, with immediate effect. In this new function, Thomas Buess will be responsible for driving operational performance and ensuring the implementation of the segment’s strategic and operational plans. He reports to Paul van de Geijn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Life Insurance business.

Paul van de Geijn commented, "The appointment of Thomas Buess underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening our Life Insurance business and meeting our Group’s earnings target. Thomas brings an outstanding track record to his new job, and I look forward to continue working with him."

Thomas Buess joined Zurich in 1994, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Zurich Switzerland and later joined Zurich North America Corporate in Schaumburg, also as CFO. In 2002 he was appointed Group CFO of Zurich Financial Services and member of the Group Management Board (GMB). In spring of 2003, Thomas was seconded to develop strategic options for the Life Insurance business. In this capacity he has assisted Paul van de Geijn in the transformation to the current global business strategy of Zurich’s Life Insurance segment.