Zurich appoints new regional chief risk officer

Zurich Financial Services Australia has secured a new Chief Risk Officer for Australia and New Zealand after the incumbent, Jaimie Sach, announced his retirement, with David Wainwright stepping into the role.

Wainwright joins from Zurich’s life insurance arm in the United Kingdom, where he also held the position of Chief Risk Officer.

“Mr Wainwright brings a strong breadth of global experience to this role, paired with an impressive technical and leadership capability,” Justin Delaney, Zurich chief executive, said.

“He will play a key role in driving Zurich’s local risk strategy against a backdrop of an increasingly complex environment. We look forward to welcoming him to Zurich’s local leadership team in the new year.”

He brings approximately 25 years of experience in financial services to the new role, having held several risk management and senior leadership roles at Zurich UK, Nomura Securities, Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Global Banking and Markets.

Wainwright will commence in the role from 6 January 2025 and relocate to Sydney, reporting to Sid Medappa, Zurich’s Regional Head of Risk for Asia Pacific (APAC).

“I am delighted and honoured to be joining the Zurich team in Australia and look forward to further evolving the team’s strong risk management capability,” he said.

Sach has been the Chief Risk Officer since 2019 and concludes a 30-year career in the wealth industry.