The re-shuffle creates two new senior positions in the company – head of international bank distribution and head of local bank distribution – as well as two entirely separate teams.
The current bank distribution team, which is to be split, consists of 25 individuals covering the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
Andrew Dawson, who joined Zurich in 2007, has assumed the role of head of international bank distribution with immediate effect and Zurich said it is currently recruiting to fill the local bank position.
“We understand that the local and international banks have a different set of challenges and needs,” said Jawed Barna, who was appointed chief executive for Zurich International Life, MEA in April. “We decided to further optimize our bank distribution function to ensure we provide a dedicated and tailored service that is the best in the region.”
A company spokesperson said the move will ensure Zurich is able to tap into the opportunities presented by both markets more effectively.
The changes also follow the appointment of David Cockerton as head of customer relationship management for Zurich Global Life in Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME), effective 1 October.
Cockerton was previously head of bank distribution in Middle East and Africa will report to Walter Jopp, head of distribution, APME, in his new role.
