Zurich North America Broadens U.S. Middle Market Business with Increased Hiring and Coverage

Zurich North America Expands Focus on U.S. Middle Market

Zurich North America, a prominent player in the commercial insurance sector, is embarking on a significant expansion within its U.S. Middle Market operations. This initiative includes the creation of over 100 underwriting roles aimed at targeting additional geographic areas that host a burgeoning community of midsize businesses. The ambition to broaden its reach comes after four consecutive years of robust growth in Zurich’s core property and casualty (PC) offerings within the Middle Market segment.

In a statement, Alex Wells, the Head of U.S. Middle Market at Zurich, emphasized the importance of engaging with businesses beyond just the major metropolitan hubs. "Middle market businesses are a growing force in the U.S. economy, and they aren’t concentrated in just a handful of the largest cities. We want to meet these businesses and their brokers where they are," said Wells.

Since establishing its Middle Market business as a standalone unit five years ago, Zurich has prioritized close customer engagement, tailored industry insights from experienced underwriters, and comprehensive service offerings. According to Wells, this latest expansion is a direct reflection of Zurich’s mission to support midsize businesses effectively by safeguarding their interests and assets.

Zurich's Tailored Offerings in the Middle Market

Zurich’s approach to the U.S. Middle Market business involves segmenting their operations by industry verticals. They provide customized solutions in Property, Casualty, Financial Lines, and Specialty coverages, all crafted to address the specific requirements of different sectors including construction, technology, manufacturing, life sciences, and professional services.

The company plans to recruit underwriters across the country, including the South, West, Midwest, and East regions. John Mizzi, the Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Middle Market at Zurich, remarked on the company’s commitment to ensuring new hires succeed in their roles. To support this transition, Zurich has introduced a new Head of Onboarding Development role dedicated to creating comprehensive training programs and fostering a collaborative environment.

Lisa Diers, a 28-year veteran at Zurich, will lead this onboarding initiative. Drawing from her extensive background in technical and field underwriting, Diers is set to enhance the Underwriter Trainee Program by creating clearer pathways for advancement.

Innovations and Support for Brokers and Clients

In its effort to solidify its position as a leader in the Middle Market, Zurich has rolled out various innovative solutions designed to streamline risk management processes. One of these is the advent of an admitted Primary Products Liability Policy tailored specifically for life sciences companies. Additionally, brokers can leverage the My Zurich Broker Concierge service that provides on-demand access to crucial data without the need for API integration.

Zurich has also introduced Smart Renewals, allowing for expedited renewal processes for many accounts without necessitating a full re-underwriting effort. This is particularly beneficial for Middle Market businesses which typically lack comprehensive in-house risk management resources.

For brokers seeking further information on Zurich’s U.S. Middle Market offerings, they are encouraged to visit the official webpage for resources and support. Opportunities for career growth at Zurich are also readily available, as the company continues to invest in the development and retention of talent.

As Zurich North America expands its dedication to the midsize segment, the focus remains on fortifying relationships with these influential businesses across the country. By leveraging specialized knowledge, deep industry insights, and responsive service, Zurich is poised to enhance the security and growth potential of its clients in the U.S. Middle Market.