Veterans' retirement prompts broker leadership changes at Zurich

Zurich has made changes to its commercial broker leadership team as two of its veterans announce their upcoming retirement.

Gary Wainwright, the director of mid-market and specialties since 2003, is set to leave at the end of the year, after 42 years with Zurich.

Wainwright has been a key senior player for the insurer for more than 20 years and has been part of the commercial broker leadership team for the past 15 years.

Pete Wing, the head of global and London market brokers across Zurich’s commercial lines businesses in the UK, will also be stepping down from his role at the start of next year, after 36 years at the company.

Commercial broker managing director Dave Smith said: “Gary has played a leading role in building the business’s strategy and team, and made a major contribution to its success.

“He is an immense character and a hugely respected and well-known market figure who has given me 100% support, energy, wise counsel and friendship for over 20 years.”

“His loyalty to Zurich for over 40 years has been incredible; our commercial broker business and team would not be the force it is today without his skills and dedication.”

Wainwright’s role will be replaced with the new position of director of market management, which will be filled by Roy Standish.

Wainwright said: “It’s been a fantastic journey for me but now after 42 years it’s time to call it a day and pass on the baton.

“This is a brilliant Industry to work in and I have made so many friends whom I will very much miss. I have had some real fun along the way with so many highs and just a few battles.

“I leave Zurich in great shape and with an excellent succession in place to carry us forward.”

Standish’s promotion means that the head of real estate position is now vacant and Zurich expects to fill it internally, along with Wing’s role, when he does retire.

The heads of Zurich’s corporate, real estate and financial lines segments, who previously reported to Gary, now join the commercial broker senior team and report directly to Dave Smith.