Zurich names Peter Kasahara as Group Chief Data Officer

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) has appointed Peter Kasahara to the new role of Group Chief Data Officer to oversee all aspects of data management and to help drive the Group’s digital transformation.

He will lead global data management and governance, develop new data analytics capabilities and products, expand Zurich’s machine learning competencies, and ensure delivery against our data for good commitment. Mr. Kasahara will be based in Zurich, Switzerland, and report to Ericson Chan, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer.

“Peter is an accomplished and highly experienced data intelligence and digitalization professional and I am excited to welcome him to the company,” said Mr. Chan. “As we advance our customer-focused strategy, we are increasingly putting our customer’s data and insights to work in a responsible, transparent and ethical manner to improve customer experience. Peter’s appointment is another step towards our goal of taking a leadership position in building trust in how global companies use data and technology for good.”

Mr. Kasahara joins Zurich on October 1, 2021, from PwC, where he was the Managing Partner for PwC Digital Intelligence, providing corporate customers with data advice and solutions for their digital transformation. Before joining PwC, he held various senior leadership roles at IBM, including General Manager of IBM iX in Europe and General Manager of Analytics and Strategy Consulting in Europe. During his 14 years at IBM, Mr. Kasahara successfully launched two business units to optimize data analytics capabilities and integrated three acquired companies.

Mr. Kasahara’s appointment follows the recent hiring of Frank Verkerk as Group Chief Platform Officer and is a further senior addition to the Group Technology and Operations team to drive Zurich’s ambition to strengthen digital capabilities.