Zurich North America has appointed Chuck Kaiser (pictured above) as chief communications officer, effective May 27.

Kaiser will be responsible for managing Zurich’s communications strategy in the United States and Canada. His duties include raising the company’s profile and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Zurich’s strategic and business objectives.

He will be based at the company’s North American headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, reporting to CEO Kristof Terryn.

“Chuck is an accomplished communications leader with a proven track record in corporate reputation management and strategic communications,” said Terryn. “Throughout his career, Chuck has demonstrated an ability to manage complex communications challenges and drive impactful business results.”

Kaiser brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications, having held senior roles at Vela Capital Management LLC, Edelman, Motorola, and Allstate Corp. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Vela Capital Management LLC, where he oversaw marketing, business development, and thought leadership activities.

Last year, Zurich North America made several leadership changes across its financial lines and specialty business units. Carrie Goesel was appointed head of excess and surplus financial lines. Goesel’s background includes experience at Travelers, Chubb, and CNA, with a focus on financial institutions in her previous roles.

In the same period, Zurich announced shifts in its direct market and crop insurance businesses. Jason Meador, then head of the company’s crop insurance unit, Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS), was named to lead the direct markets business, which serves auto dealers and rental operations.

Meador’s appointment followed the retirement of Vince Santivasi, the former head of direct markets.

Dalynn Hoch, who was head of mergers and acquisitions at Zurich Insurance Group, succeeded Meador as head of RCIS.