Zurich Financial Services has appointed Francis Bouchard as the group head of Government and Industry Affairs which will be effective from 1 April 2012.
Bouchard, currently serving as global head of Sales, Distribution and Marketing for the company’s Global Corporate business will replace Peter Buomberger who will retire by end of June this year.
In his new position, Bouchard will be based in Zurich and will be responsible to maintain and strengthen the Group’s interaction with key governmental and industry bodies around the world and will provide strategic leadership in public policy, corporate responsibility and industry economics.
Prior to his current position, Bouchard had worked as group head of Proposition Development in General Insurance.
Zurich Financial Services chief administrative officer Christian Orator said the appointment reflected strengthening the company’s internal global talent pool.
"Francis has in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry, in public policy and government relations," Orator said.
Bouchard had joined Zurich in 1998 as senior vice president, Government Affairs for Zurich North America Commercial and then was head of Government and Industry Affairs for Zurich General Insurance in North America.
Bouchard served as Group Head of Corporate Communications during 2006 to 2010.