Zurich has announced two senior appointments to its technology and digital leadership team. Terry Powell (pictured above, left) has been named group chief technology officer, while Cristina Ghetti (pictured above, right) will serve as group head of digital employee experience.
Both will report to Ericson Chan, group chief information & digital officer, and will be based in Zurich. Their appointments are effective from October 20.
Powell joins Zurich from ANZ Bank, where he led IT services transformation and cloud adoption. His previous roles include centralising global IT and launching AI and digital initiatives at Domino’s Pizza, as well as serving as general manager for insurance technology at Suncorp Group, where he worked on simplifying core insurance systems.
At Zurich, Powell will oversee the group’s technology strategy, focus on driving AI adoption across infrastructure, and work to enhance system resilience and operational efficiency.
Ghetti comes to Zurich from Nestlé, where she led the sector’s largest AI-tool rollout and integrated GPT-based tools for internal use. Her earlier experience includes delivering a multi-year digital roadmap and leading IT integration following a merger at Coca-Cola European Partners.
In her new role, Ghetti will lead AI upskilling initiatives and support the adoption of AI tools to improve productivity across the organisation.
Allianz UK has appointed Mansoor Reehana (pictured immediately above) as head of artificial intelligence, a newly established position designed to oversee the growth of AI initiatives within the organisation.
Reehana will be part of the central data team and will take responsibility for the strategy, architecture, and product delivery of AI projects. His remit includes aligning advanced technologies with Allianz’s business objectives and overseeing the delivery of enterprise-scale AI and machine learning platforms. He will also be tasked with promoting cross-functional collaboration and ensuring that AI solutions are deployed in an ethical and scalable manner.
Reehana joined Allianz in May 2023 as a data science manager. Since then, he has managed a portfolio of data science, machine learning, and AI activities, and has contributed to the design and migration of AI platforms as well as the implementation of generative AI.
Before joining Allianz, Reehana held roles at EY’s AI Center of Excellence and at Crawford & Company, where he was responsible for leading global data transformation initiatives.
In a separate development, HDI Global has appointed Georgina Smart as head of global risk bloodstock & equine, effective October 15.
Smart previously held a senior underwriting role at Ashby Underwriting and has also served as head of equine for Tokio Marine Kiln and as equine class underwriter at Catlin Underwriting Agencies.
Based in London, Smart will be responsible for leading HDI’s bloodstock and equine underwriting and distribution strategy across international markets and the US. HDI’s UK and Ireland bloodstock team is led by Cathy Olive, underwriting manager - equine & bloodstock lead UK.
Rafael Rebitzky, chief underwriting officer for HDI Global Specialty, commented, “Bloodstock and equine is a highly specialised line of business. I am delighted to welcome Georgina to HDI to help drive our global underwriting and distribution strategy with the goal of delivering a strong proposition to our clients and business partners across our core markets and potential new ones.”
Earlier this month, HDI UK & Ireland also announced new underwriting leadership roles as part of its alignment with the group’s global target operating model.
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