Zurich recruits Allianz director David Martin to lead SME strategy

Zurich has recruited David Martin, Allianz’s director of SME and corporate partnerships, to oversee its growth.

He will begin in the first half of 2019 as Zurich’s new managing director of its UK retail business, after serving 17 years at Allianz.

Zurich has said the appointment will strengthen it’s strategy in SMEs and retail.

Tulsi Naidu, Zurich UK’s chief executive, said: “He brings an impressive track record and a wealth of experience and drive that match perfectly with our own strategy and ambitions in SME and retail.

“We have seen transformation across our business in the last couple of years, and David will now help us capitalise on this and drive the next phase of our development and growth.”

Martin has a background in the SME market and has been a chartered insurer since 1991.

He joined Allianz in 2001 as a national broker manager leading the creation of Allianz Commercial.

He was appointed to director of SME and corporate partnerships in 2016 and led its digital trading in the UK across all distribution channels.

Previously he worked at Aon as a technical client broker. 

Simon McGinn, general manager in commercial and personal at Allianz, added: “Dave has been with Allianz for many years and we wish him well in his new role.

“He will continue to work with us for a period, which will ensure an orderly transition. We have a robust succession plan in place that will enable us to announce our decision on a replacement at the earliest opportunity.”

Martin’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval.