Wells to Head Zurich Workers' Comp Unit

December 22, 2004

Zurich has appointed Joseph Wells, 45, as director of its workers' compensation line of business. Wells succeeds Bob Rheel, who was named chief executive officer of Zurich's General Insurance operations in Ireland.

In his new role, Wells will work closely with Zurich's Workers Compensation Line of Business (LOB) Network, chief underwriting officers and other business unit leaders to direct the company's workers' comp programs in North America through detailed analysis and implementation of best practice thinking and tools.

"Joseph brings a wealth of experience and domain expertise with him to his new position," said Gary Kaplan, Chief Underwriting Officer at Zurich. "His understanding of workers comp issues is a key reason why we have made progress in helping build superior and sustainable underwriting results."

Wells has been a member of Zurich's Workers Compensation LOB since its inception in 2002, most recently as senior project manager. He joined the organization from Fireman's Fund, where he held a variety of product line leadership roles. He has also worked with a number of other major carriers, including AIG, TIG, Wausau and USF&G. Wells holds a bachelor's degree in management from Texas A&M and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business' Executive Training Program.