Zurich UK has appointed James Tait as head of Zurich corporate risk following Cindy Warden’s retirement at the end of this year.
Tait (pictured) will join Zurich in January 2026, working across both the Swindon and London offices.
Previously CEO across North America, APAXC and UK/Europe at UnderwriteMe until April of this year, he is also a former head of protection at Pacific Life Re, where he was responsible for their protection reinsurance business across the UK and Ireland.
Alex Koslowski, head of UK life at Zurich, said the insurer want to continue growing the business into a top three group protection provider.
“We are delighted to announce that James Tait will be joining our team in the new year, taking over from Cindy Warden who has decided to retire at the end of the year,” he said.
“James brings with him a wealth of experience, market knowledge and leadership skills and will play an integral part in achieving this.
“I’d also like to take the chance to thank Cindy for her leadership and stewardship, over an incredible 35-year career.
“Cindy has taken Zurich Corporate Risk from a new entrant in the group protection market into a powerhouse that is one of the biggest and fastest growing life protection businesses in the UK. We wish her the best and thank her for her many years of excellent leadership and service to our customers and colleagues.”
Warden said: “Zurich and the corporate risk team have been a huge part of both my career and life since I first joined in 1990. It’s been such a privilege to lead the corporate risk business, and I am deeply proud of everything we’ve achieved together.
“Growing to become one of the top group protection providers has been a team effort, and I leave with immense confidence in the future success of Zurich. As I move on to my next chapter, I am certain James will continue to build on this growth, and I look forward to seeing Zurich Corporate Risk thrive under his leadership.”
Tait added it was a “really exciting opportunity” for me to the team.
“It’s refreshing to see Zurich put this business division at the heart of the global growth strategy,” he said.
“I’ve loved building my career in this sector as it’s a force for social good, playing a key role in helping support people back to work. As such, this is an important time for corporate risk to continue growing in relevance and I’m passionate about implementing this with my new team.”