Zurich Insurance names Isabelle Welton chief of staff

Isabelle Welton has been named chief of staff of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd., effective immediately, Zurich announced Wednesday.

Ms. Welton previously served as Zurich’s chief marketing officer. She succeeds Ann Haugh, who left Zurich last month. In an email, Zurich said that “Ann Haugh has left Zurich to pursue opportunities outside the company. We are unable to comment on an individual's future career plans.”

As chief of staff, Ms. Welton will be responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of group communications, group human resources, group marketing and group strategy in line with the group’s strategic objectives. She will be based in Zurich and will report to Zurich CEO Martin Senn.

Zurich has recently undergone a series of management changes as Josef Ackermann stepped down as chairman of the board late last month. His resignation followed the suicide of Chief Financial Officer Pierre Wauthier, who named Mr. Ackermann in his suicide note.