Zurich
Michel Liès (main picture) has been confirmed as the new chairman of Zurich Insurance Group, following the retirement of Tom de Swaan.
Liès is one of the insurance industry’s most seasoned campaigners, having served as Swiss Re’s group CEO for four years until June 2016. His new role was ratified at Zurich’s AGM on 4 April.
“In the fast-changing environment in which we operate, his intellect, deep grounding in insurance and ability to deliver results will reinforce both the Board and the business,” said de Swaan last year when his replacement was revealed.
Liès has held a number of other board roles, including chairman of the Global Reinsurance Forum, a board member of the Geneva Association, and as a member of Insurance Europe’s Reinsurance Advisory Board.
Toshiba
Nobuaki Kurumatani is the new chairman and CEO of Toshiba—the first time an external appointee has been named in more than 50 years.
Kurumatani said that Toshiba “is not just any company”, flagging up its credentials as an iconic Japanese brand.
“Its corporate DNA has realized countless Japan- and world-first technologies and products, made Toshiba a source of pride in Japan for nearly 145 years, and also made us a global leader,” he said.
“I believe that helping Toshiba back on its feet is my true calling.”
Last year chairman Shigenori Shiga resigned after Toshiba reported a net loss of 390bn yen (£2.6bn), alongside a multibillion-dollar writedown at its US nuclear business.