Zurich New Zealand GM Kai Dwyer has resigned from the company, while Zurich’s Sydney-based Head of Commercial Distribution Lori Messori has left after his role was declared redundant.

Mr Dwyer, who has spent 24 of the past 29 years working at Zurich, joined the Australian operation in 2007 as head of global corporate. He was GM customer distribution for two years from 2012 before taking up the New Zealand role in April 2015.

Zurich has stated in correspondence seen by insuranceNEWS.com.au that Mr Dwyer “decided to leave Zurich”.

The GM’s role will be taken by Head of Corporate Underwriting and Deal Management Brett Wainhouse on an “ad interim” basis until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Sources have told insuranceNEWS.com.au that regional CEO Raj Nanra has moved to reassure New Zealand brokers that he and his management team see the market as important to the company, and it will continue to be supported.

However, it is understood some of the functions of the New Zealand business have been brought under the Australian reporting structure.

Mr Messori joined Zurich in January 2013 as national broker manager. He had previously worked for Elders, QBE and Willis Towers Watson.