Zurich Financial Services Australia has appointed Alexis George, former Chief Executive Officer of AMP, as an independent non-executive director, the insurer announced on 17 August.
George spent more than four years at AMP, most recently as CEO. Before joining AMP, she held several senior roles at ANZ, including deputy CEO, group executive of wealth Australia and global managing director of insurance for ANZ Wealth.
She brings more than 30 years of financial services experience to her new role, including earlier senior leadership and executive positions at ING Group.
George succeeds John Mulcahy, who has resigned after serving on the board since 2017. She commenced on Zurich’s board on 10 August, as well as the boards of its life insurance and general insurance entities.
Commenting on the appointment, Zurich chair Geoff Summerhayes said George “brings exceptional depth and breadth of experience” to the role, adding that “Her insights will be invaluable as the organisation continues to grow and evolve across Australia and New Zealand.”
Zurich ANZ CEO Justin Delaney added that “Alexis has led large organisations through significant change. She is purpose-led with a clear focus on improving customer outcomes and strengthening internal culture. Alexis will be an important addition to Zurich’s Board as we continue to scale the business.”
George said: “The business is growing rapidly and occupies a unique position as Australia’s only major composite insurer – offering both life and general insurance products. Zurich is making considered investments in a number of core capabilities, including technology, partnerships and its people.”
The appointment follows several recent leadership changes across Zurich’s Australia and New Zealand operations. In June, the insurer named Faaizah Banu to lead its national authorised representative business, while Alan James was appointed assistant general manager and head of distribution for New Zealand in May.
Zurich has also been expanding its Australian personal lines business, announcing in July that it would enter the home insurance market through an expanded partnership with Honey Insurance. From October, Zurich will underwrite and manage claims for Honey’s home, landlord and motor policies.
