Zurich Community Trust names new head

She will step into the role in March

Zurich Community Trust names new head

Non-Profits & Charities

By Kenneth Araullo

Zurich Community Trust (ZCT), the charitable arm of Zurich in the UK, has announced the appointment of Laurie Deans (pictured above) as its new head. Deans will succeed Steve Grimmett, who is set to step down in April next year after a five-year tenure leading the trust.

Deans has been with Zurich for two decades, having initially joined the company through the Actuarial Graduate Scheme in 2004. Throughout her career at Zurich, she has held various roles in pricing and underwriting, leading to her most recent position as head of EEA implementation and engagement.

Deans’ involvement with ZCT extends over several years, including her membership in the trust executive since 2020. This experience has provided her with practical insight into the trust’s operations. This year, ZCT is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having contributed over £100 million to local communities during its existence.

The transition will see Deans stepping into her new role on March 1, 2024, with Grimmett planning to depart from ZCT at the end of April.

“Laurie is another great example of effective succession planning for internal talent at Zurich,” siad Steve Collinson, Zurich UK chief people officer and chair of trustees at ZCT. “Laurie joined us on the graduate scheme and has since carved a successful career over the past two decades. We know she’s going to bring great value and expertise to the future success of ZCT. I would like to thank Steve for the integral role he has played in leading the trust with such passion and commitment over the past five years. We all wish him every success in the stage of his career.”

“The impact the Trust has both in our communities and our people in Zurich UK is immense. Being part of the trust exec has helped me to really understand the challenges of the people and charities we help. I’m really looking forward to shaping the next stage of the trust’s journey, building on the amazing work Steve and the team have achieved to date,” Deans said.

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