Zurich Financial Services has made two high-level appointments to the management team of its UK general insurance business.

Geoff Riddell is appointed managing director with responsibility for commercial, international, engineering, and Zurich GSG.

Previously head of AIG Europe in France, Riddell replaces Eddie Hester, who has taken up a post as senior vice president of corporate customer relationships within Zurich Corporate Solutions.

Riddell will be flanked by deputy managing director Peter Burrows, who, until recently, was a director of RSA's UK commercial arm.

George Culmer becomes chief financial officer, taking over from Bryan Howett, who has been promoted to head of corporate accounting in charge of the group's financial projects and divisions worldwide.

ZFS chief executive Sandy Leitch said the company intends to become the UK's leading low-cost, skills-driven general insurer.


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