Zurich adds Chubb's Himes as head of underwriting in US middle market

By Isha Marathe

May 14 - (The Insurer) - Zurich North America has hired Bennett Himes, former vice president and casualty leader for Chubb’s middle market division, as head of underwriting in the U.S. middle market.

Himes succeeds John Diaz, who moved to lead Zurich's customer and distribution management function in January.

In his new role, Himes will oversee the overall portfolio strategy and maintain the underwriting integrity of Zurich’s U.S. middle market business. He will collaborate closely with senior middle market underwriting leaders in middle market commercial, programs and group captives

He will report to Alex Wells, head of U.S. middle market at Zurich.

He has over 24 years of experience in the industry, including 22 years at Chubb North America. He began his career at St Paul Companies.

“Bennett’s deep knowledge and extensive experience in portfolio management, individual risk selection, pricing, and product management will be invaluable assets to the middle market team..." Wells said.

Himes will be based in New York.