The Cologne-based executive takes charge of underwriting strategy across Europe, Asia and Australia, stepping up from the insurer's German underwriting operation.
Dylan Bryant returns to Zurich after 12 years away to run multinational programmes and captive fronting, while Patrick Fyson joins from Canopius to head property in the region.
Insurers have so far counted US$170m in preliminary claims, but the country may need up to US$5bn, or around 10% of GDP, to rebuild after the disaster.