Retirement prompts double change at Zurich UK

She has worked for Zurich for over fifteen years in a number of roles, her most recent being chief operating officer for the UK general insurance business.

Claudio Gienal is taking over as chief operating officer of UKGI, starting 1 February 2011.

Gienal joined Zurich in 2008 and is currently head of operational transformation in group operations in Zurich.

Stephen Lewis, chief executive of Zurich's UKGI business, said: "I want to pay tribute to Rob Allison. His ability to achieve great results and to inspire those around him whilst keeping his feet firmly on the ground are just some of the attributes Rob has and on behalf of everyone at Zurich, I wish him well in the future.

"However, Rob's decision to retire next year allows me to make two more excellent appointments. Anne Torry and Claudio Gienal will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles and really help us drive our UK General insurance business forward in the future."