Michael Kerner is to become Zurich’s CEO of General Insurance, joining the group executive committee from September 1.

Mr Kerner is currently CEO of Global Corporate in North America. He will be based in Zurich and report to CEO Martin Senn, who says he is confident the new appointment will drive the global general insurance business forward.

“I am very proud that we have found such a strong candidate internally, which reflects the great depth of the talent pool within Zurich,” Mr Senn said.

Mr Kerner previously served as Zurich’s Global Chief Underwriting Officer for General Insurance and he has also worked in reinsurance. His replacement in the North American business is yet to be announced.

Mr Kerner replaces Mario Greco who left Zurich in June to become CEO of major Italian insurer Generali.