Zurich Financial Services Group said it has named Markus Honglerchief executive officer of Zurich Insurance Ireland Limited, thecompany's European Union-wide risk carrier for generalinsurance.

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

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

A Zurich spokeswoman said Mr. Hongler replaces Eoin Ward who hasbeen moved to another function within the group. Mr. Hongler wasappointed to his new positions because of his experience dealingwith the European Union countries, the spokeswoman said.

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

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

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