Zurich Financial Services Group said it has named Markus Hongler chief executive officer of Zurich Insurance Ireland Limited, the company's European Union-wide risk carrier for general insurance.

The Zurich, Switzerland-based carrier said the appointment of Mr. Hongler, currently the CEO of Zurich Switzerland, takes effect Jan. 1, 2009 to allow “for a smooth transition to new leadership in Switzerland.”

He also was appointed to the company's group management board effective immediately.

A Zurich spokeswoman said Mr. Hongler replaces Eoin Ward who has been moved to another function within the group. Mr. Hongler was appointed to his new positions because of his experience dealing with the European Union countries, the spokeswoman said.

Mr. Hongler began his career with Zurich in Spain in 1983, and joined Zurich Switzerland in 1986 where he held a series of management and marketing positions. In 2001, he was appointed CEO of what is now Global Corporate in Europe. Since 2006 he has been CEO of Zurich Switzerland. In his new role, he will report to Annette Court, CEO of Europe General Insurance.

“Markus has achieved tremendous results with our Swiss operations, and has positioned the business as a true leader in this critical market,” remarked Zurich CEO James J. Schiro.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Zurich Insurance Ireland currently has branches in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

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Zurich Names CEO For Ireland

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