Zurich CEO James Schiro is the 2007 Insurance Leader of the Year, as chosen by St John's University School of Risk Management (SRM).

Chairman of the SRM Board of Overseers Brandon Sweitzer says Mr Schiro has transformed Zurich since taking the helm at a difficult time.

Mr Schiro joined Zurich five years ago after 25 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has been widely credited with turning the company's fortunes around.

Previous winners of the prestigious award include Willis CEO Joe Plumeri, CV Starr Chairman and CEO Maurice Greenberg, and Aon Executive Chairman Patrick Ryan.