Dateline: 29/11/2005
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., November 29, 2005 – Zurich, one of the nation's largest property-casualty insurance companies, recently announced several senior management appointments for its North America Commercial division.
Steve Rand was named executive vice president of Commercial Markets, which includes the company's Construction, Middle Markets, Surety, Canadian Commercial and Energy Casualty businesses in North America. Rand has relocated to Zurich's Schaumburg office and reports to Axel P. Lehmann, CEO of North America Commercial.
"Steve has made important contributions to our company, most recently as the head of Zurich Programs, a position he held since 2002," said Lehmann. "His 25 years of experience in insurance and demonstrated management skills will be important in leading this key growth area of our business."
Rand's career at Zurich includes earlier positions at Zurich Programs (formerly Empire Fire & Marine) as vice president and general manager of its Special Operations division. He previously served in senior management roles with Zurich's Universal Underwriter Group, including vice president and general manager of its Eastern division.
Craig J. Fundum has been appointed president of the Zurich Programs business unit, replacing Steve Rand. He will report to John Lynch, Head of U.S. Small Business, and will relocate to the company's Omaha, Neb., office. Most recently, Fundum served as chief marketing officer for North America Commercial.
"Zurich Programs is a strategic profitable growth area for our company," said Lynch, "and I am pleased Craig has agreed to take this important operating position. He will continue to fulfill his duties as chief market officer until his successor is named."
Fundum began with Zurich in 1990 after serving nine years in underwriting positions at Royal Insurance Group. At Zurich, he has held key management positions in Commercial Group Programs, Small Business and was CEO of Strategic Partnership before being named chief marketing officer.
About Zurich Financial Services
Zurich Financial Services (www.zurich.com) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network that focuses its activities on its key markets in North America and Europe. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Through its offices in more than 50 countries, 57,000 Zurich employees serve customers in more than 120 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, small business (not offered in Canada), specialties and programs sectors.
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Editors Note: Photos of Steve Rand and Craig Fundum are available.
Media contact:
Steve McKay
Zurich
(847) 706-2265
steven.mckay@zurichna.com