EVP, Head of Surety

EVP, Head of Surety - Zurich North America.
Zurich North America is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Head of Surety. The Head of Surety is responsible for delivering underwriting results across Contract and Commercial Surety lines of business.

In this pivotal role, you will shape both the technical and strategic direction of the Surety portfolios, ensuring strong profitability and long‑term growth. You’ll build influential business relationships and oversee strategic underwriting oversight and portfolio management.

• Establish key performance targets and financial budgets for the underwriting unit to optimize business performance.
• Interpret market drivers and corporate strategic goals, translate into objectives, develop cross‑functional business cases for complex projects, and act as program sponsor.
• Develop and maintain relationships to support new and retained business, understanding insurance‑related needs and providing solutions.
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify service improvement opportunities, ensuring commercial viability and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in leadership meetings to provide specialist guidance and implement policies, projects, and change initiatives that drive profitable results.
• Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books and profit/growth trends.
• Develop a people management plan to drive performance within the team, ensuring compliance with company policies and taking appropriate action.
• Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 15 years in underwriting or a market‑facing role within commercial insurance.
• Five or more years of management experience, including business‑unit management.
• Surety underwriting experience.

• Deep expertise in Contract and Commercial Surety underwriting and market dynamics.
• Experience running a complex business unit with P&L responsibility and a proven track record of growth and retention.
• Proven ability to lead high‑performing teams and deliver business results.
• Strong strategic thinking and precision in execution.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills with clients, brokers, and internal teams.
• Collaborative leadership style with a passion for talent development.
• Ability to influence and drive change across a complex organization.

The salary range for this position is $248,500 - $435,000, with short‑term incentive bonus eligibility of 50%.

Hybrid; location flexible across major Zurich offices with business travel expected.

Zurich offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other corporate benefits.

Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees and eligible dependents and is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.