Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Thomas Buberl to the position of CEO of Zurich Switzerland, effective January 1, 2009.

Mr Buberl will join Zurich on November 1, 2008, and, after a two-month transition period, will succeed Markus Hongler, who on January 1, 2009 will become CEO of Zurich Insurance Ireland (ZIIL).

Mr Buberl joins Zurich from AXA Winterthur, AXA’s Swiss insurance arm, where he was the head of distribution and a member of the executive board.

Annette Court, CEO of general insurance at Zurich Financial Services for Europe, said: I am delighted to welcome Thomas to Zurich. His in-depth knowledge and broad experience equip him well to further build on the impressive results and leading position that Markus and his team have achieved in Zurich’s crucial home market of Switzerland.