Zurich North America’s human resources chief has been recognised for his management initiatives, all of which are aimed at optimizing the company’s workforce and recruiting and retaining the best talent in the industry.

HRO Today, a specialty publication, has honored Brian Little as the Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year in the for-profit category. He was also recognized as a Leader of Distinction in Human Resources.

The magazine feted its awardees in a gala following the HRO Today Forum in Illinois.

According to a Zurich statement, its human resources chief was recognized for initiating an advanced management training program in the company’s North America offices, which was “designed to improve the capabilities and people management skills of Zurich’s managers.”

The end goal of the program is to have managers “build, coach and nurture highly engaged teams that deliver a winning performance,” the statement added.

Under Little’s leadership, Zurich also rolled out a ground breaking apprenticeship program that accommodates interns from diverse age groups. He also facilitated an initiative that identifies the skills and behaviors required for specific jobs which enables the individual growth of employees while enhancing the Zurich talent pipeline.

“Zurich’s employees are at the heart of our ability to deliver for our customers. Brian has been instrumental in driving forward initiatives that help Zurich get the best from our people while making the company an employer of choice at the same time,” Craig Fundum, chief administrative officer for Zurich North America, said in the statement.


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