Zurich appoints Isabelle Welton Group Head of Human Resources and member of the Group Executive Committee

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) today announced that Isabelle Welton (Swiss citizen) has been appointed Group Head of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2014. At the same time, the position of Group Head of Human Resources will be elevated to the Group Executive Committee reflecting the importance Zurich attaches to its people. Mrs. Welton continues to be based in Zurich.

Mrs. Welton will succeed Tom White, currently Group Head of Human Resources, who has expressed a preference to return to the business as his assignment is ending. Mrs. Welton is currently Chief of Staff, overseeing the operational delivery of Group Human Resources, Group Communications, Group Marketing and Group Strategy. She will retain responsibility for these activities until a successor will be announced for the Chief of Staff position.

Martin Senn, Zurich’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Isabelle Welton in our Group Executive Committee. By nominating the Group Head of Human Resources to the GEC, we underline the important role our people play in executing our strategy. Isabelle’s experience in various leadership roles and her deep knowledge of the company make her an ideal candidate for this key position.”

Mrs. Welton re-joined Zurich as Chief Marketing Officer in January 2013. In September 2013 she was appointed Chief of Staff. Before re-joining Zurich, Mrs. Welton worked with IBM from 2003 to 2012, where she held several senior leadership positions, including Country General Manager for Switzerland. From 2001 to 2003 she had been with EFG Private Bank as Head of Corporate Communications. Mrs. Welton had already worked with Zurich from 1996 until 2001 leading External Communications. Prior to that Mrs. Welton had worked with Interbrand, Zintzmeyer & Lux, where she had been responsible for the agency’s financial services clients. Mrs. Welton had started her career at Citibank in New York and Tokyo.

Mrs. Welton holds a law degree from Zurich University. She is a member of the boards of Georg Fischer AG and AG für die Neue Zürcher Zeitung, a member of the Regional Economic Advisory Council of the Swiss National Bank, and a member of the board of trustees of the Lucerne Festival.

Further information

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