Zurich Energy Appoints Giddings as Chief Underwriting Officer, Exploration and Production

The Energy unit of Zurich North America has appointed Roger Giddings Chief Underwriting Officer, Exploration and Production, the firm announced today. Giddings, based in London, will have overall responsibility for Zurich Energy's global exploration and production line of business.

In addition to developing the offshore energy business, Giddings will oversee Zurich Energy's London office, the unit's largest operation outside the U.S. Zurich Energy specializes in providing comprehensive risk solutions, risk engineering services and claims support tailored to the individual needs of energy, mining and power companies.

Pete Connors, CEO of Zurich Energy, said, "We are pleased to have Roger on board. The exploration and production business is heading into a growth phase, particularly in the Far East. As oil prices continue to rise, we anticipate a resurgence in activity by companies that have delayed projects. Zurich Energy, aided by Roger's nearly twenty years of experience, is well positioned to provide underwriting and risk management solutions to those companies and others in the offshore energy business."

Prior to joining Zurich Energy, Giddings was at American International Group (AIG) for ten years, most recently as Chief Underwriting Manager, Energy. During his tenure at AIG, he also handled Indian Energy Risks, was Vice President of Energy responsible for offshore underwriting, and was appointed Regional Manager, AIG Oil Rig, in London. Earlier in his career, Giddings worked in the New York and London offices of Sedgwick International and at CT Browning.

Giddings is a member of the London Joint Rig Committee.

Zurich Energy is the newly realigned energy unit of the Zurich Financial Services Group, which incorporates the international operations of Zurich Global Energy with the U.S. - based activities of Zurich U.S. Energy.