ZFS sets up direct unit

ZURICH, Switzerland— Zurich Financial Services Group is establishing a new unit for direct business in Europe.

The new unit will be part of the insurer's Europe General Insurance division and will bring personal and small commercial direct insurance operations in Europe under one management structure. Called Direct Business, the new unit will begin operations July 1.

Theo Bouts, formerly chief operating officer of Europe General Insurance, was named chief executive officer of the new unit.