Zurich Insurance Group has appointed its chief risk officer Alison Martin to the role of Chief Executive Officer Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Bank Distribution with immediate effect.

Martin, who is British, will continue to oversee the group risk management function for a limited period until a suitable successor has been found.

She succeeds Amanda Blanc who recently left the business.

Zurich Insurance Group CEO Mario Greco said: “Alison is perfectly suited for this role.

“She is an enthusiastic leader who combines industry expertise with the right mix of customer focus, people management and commercial experience.

“She is a mature leader with a strong international background.

“I am confident she will successfully expand our capabilities to meet customer needs in the region.

“She knows our culture, she knows our business and is well suited to take our EMEA business to the next level.”

Martin joined Zurich in October 2017 and assumed the role of group chief risk officer in January 2018.

She joined Zurich from Swiss Re, where she was Head of Life & Health Business Management globally, for the four years prior to joining Zurich.

In her 14 years at Swiss Re, Martin held a series of senior management positions.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.