2009-11-10 19:34:04 -

Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider in North America and globally, announced today that its Global Energy unit has appointed Iain Hawker as vice president – Exploration & Production and underwriting manager, London. He replaces Len Messenger, who will take on a new role focused on Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

In his new role, Hawker will assume

overall responsibility for managing business produced by brokers in the London market, as well as brokers in the European Union (FOS countries). He will continue to use his significant experience developing innovative insurance solutions for major upstream and midstream oil and gas companies to help expand the Exploration & Production book of business in this region.

“Iain brings a wealth of experience, and a global perspective, to this role. He understands the London market and is committed to working closely with brokers and the E&P risk managers to develop risk management solutions that meet specific customer needs,” said Rick Gibbons, president of Zurich Global Energy. “I am confident that Iain's market knowledge, and customer centricity, will help ensure that Zurich Global Energy continues to provide superior service and solutions in today's challenging E&P market.”


Hawker joined Zurich in 2004 as an assistant vice president – Exploration & Production in the Houston office. His most recent role was vice president & branch manager, Houston, for the Exploration & Production group. Prior to joining Zurich, he worked on both the brokerage and company side of the business in the U.K. and Canada.

Messenger will continue in his role as a senior underwriter – Exploration & Production for the London market. In addition, he will focus on the Asia Pacific and Middle East growth strategies for the group. In this capacity, he will work closely with Zurich staff in these regions to identify and develop new Exploration & Production opportunities.

“We are pleased that Len has agreed to accept a new role in the organization. He is a knowledgeable underwriter who is experienced in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets. In fact, he is a frequent speaker on energy insurance matters in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mel Causer, senior vice president – Exploration & Production. “With Len’s assistance, we are well poised to grow our book of business in these regions.”


About Zurich



Zurich's North America Commercial and Global Corporate in North America business divisions are part of Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich), an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries. In North America, Zurich ( www.zurichna.com : ) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, specialties and programs sectors.



Media contact:Steve McKayZurich(847) 706-2265 steven.mckay@zurichna.com : mailto:steven.mckay@zurichna.com