Zurich appoints Mario P. Vitale as Deputy CEO of Global Corporate and names him to the Group Management Board

Zurich, June 17, 2008 – Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) announced today that Mario P. Vitale, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Corporate in North America, has been appointed to the new role of Deputy CEO of Zurich’s Global Corporate business division. Mr. Vitale will also become a member of the Group Management Board. Both appointments will become effective July 1, 2008.

In this role, Mr. Vitale will oversee most day-to-day activities of Global Corporate’s operations, particularly those that are market-facing. The role was created to allow Geoff Riddell, CEO of Global Corporate, to devote time to expanding Zurich’s opportunities in developing markets, including the Middle East and Greater China. 

“Mario has been a major influence on Zurich’s Global Corporate operations in North America since he joined the Group, and his deep knowledge of the marketplace makes him ideally suited to take on this new role,” remarked Geoff Riddell.

Mr. Vitale joined Zurich from Willis Group Holdings where he was CEO of Willis North America and a member of both Willis' Group Executive Committee and the Office of the Chairman. He is a graduate of St. John's University College of Insurance, and serves as a member of their board of trustees.