Resignation follows ‘allegations’ by Pierre Wauthier’s family
Zurich chairman Josef Ackermann (pictured) has resigned from the insurer’s board following the unexpected death of chief financial officer Pierre Wauthier.
The departure follows “allegations” from Wauthier’s family, Ackermann said.
Vice-chairman Tom de Swann has taken over as acting chairman.
Zurich revealed on Tuesday that its chief financial officer had been found dead in his home on Monday night.
The company said it accepted Ackermann’s resignation from the board “with deep regret”.
Ackerman said: “The unexpected death of Pierre Wauthier has deeply shocked me. I have reasons to believe that the family is of the opinion that I should take my share of responsibility, as unfounded as any allegations might be.
“As a consequence, I see the possibility of a continued successful board leadership to the benefit of Zurich called into question. To avoid any damage to Zurich’s reputation, I have decided to resign from all my Board functions with immediate effect.”
De Swann said: “Working with the board and management, I am determined to lead Zurich’s continued success.”
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