Zurich UK, a leading player in the insurance industry, has appointed Drazen Jaksic as its new chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approval.
Jaksic, who most recently served as CEO of Zurich Benelux, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Since joining Zurich Insurance Group in 2019, he has held several senior positions, including Global Head of Accident & Health within the company’s commercial insurance division. His career spans more than 30 years, with leadership roles at Chubb Europe and extensive experience across property and casualty (P&C) as well as life insurance sectors. This diverse background positions him to effectively address the evolving needs of the market.
Tim Bailey, the current CEO of Zurich UK, will transition to the role of CEO Life Protection at Zurich. Bailey’s extensive tenure with Zurich includes leadership roles such as CEO of Zurich Australia’s Life & Investments business and Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) & Bank Distribution. In his new role, he will report to Cara Morton, CEO of Zurich Global Ventures.
Alison Martin, CEO of EMEA & Bank Distribution at Zurich, expressed confidence in Jaksic’s leadership. “We are delighted to have a leader of Drazen’s calibre at the helm of Zurich UK, one of Zurich’s key markets. Drazen has made a significant impact since joining Zurich, and we look forward to seeing him continue this success at Zurich UK,” she said.
Jaksic shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity to advance our position in the UK market. I am excited to work with a talented leadership team and a strong business unit. The opportunities for growth in this market are immense, and I feel privileged to help drive our future success.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Zurich UK CEO, Bailey remarked, “Life insurance has been a cornerstone of my career. Leading a new global business and establishing Zurich as a world leader in this space is an exciting challenge. Over the past four years, Zurich UK has significantly grown and strengthened its market position. I’ve had the privilege of working with an outstanding team, and I’m confident that Drazen will continue to build on this momentum.”
Jaksic’s appointment signifies a strategic milestone for Zurich UK as it seeks to consolidate its position in the market and drive further growth. With a proven track record and a vision for innovation, Jaksic’s leadership promises to usher in a new era for the company.
