News | December 8, 1999

Zurich U.S. Reorganizes Property Group, Appoints New Management

Source: Zurich North America

Zurich North America has consolidated the regional management structure of its property group into three zones, each headed by a senior executive. The company says the new organization will "strengthen the property group's ability to coordinate services for all property accounts, including global property insureds, and generate new efficiencies throughout the Zurich U.S. property operation."

"By streamlining our regional operations and strengthening local branch and global account services, we are positioning Zurich U.S. for sound performance in the years ahead," said Greg Maguire, executive vice president and director of the Zurich U.S. property group.

The property group's new zonal structure and management team include:

• Eastern Zone: based in New York, encompassing the property group's Northeast and Mid-Atlantic offices. Ludwig (Lud) Picarro, formerly Regional Property Executive for the Zurich U.S. Northeast Region, will head this zone.

• Central Zone: based in Chicago, spanning the property group's North Central, South Central and Southwest regions. This zone will be headed by Lawrence K. Marks, who was most recently Director of Zurich U.S.' High Property Risk segment.

• Western Zone: based in San Francisco, including the property group's Northwest and Southwest offices. Douglas R. Bergen, formerly Regional Property Executive for the Zurich U.S. Southeast and South Central areas, will be in charge of this zone.

The Zurich U.S. property underwriters and account management teams will continue to serve customers and brokers from Zurich U.S.' regional and branch offices nationwide. Branch managers, to be appointed, will provide additional authority at the local level and support local account teams in coordinating all Zurich U.S property services for customers.

In addition, Zurich U.S. named Ausra Butikas to the newly created position of global products and services manager. Ms. Butikas, who was most recently the property group's technical support manager, has what the company describes as "expansive international experience and knowledge of the Zurich global network."

In her new position, she will focus on providing service for all Zurich U.S. global property customers including reverse flow.