Zurich North America has appointed Brian Winters to the role of head of sales and distribution for the company’s US commercial insurance unit.

A release explained that Winters’ appointment is part of Zurich’s “continued effort to strengthen relationships with customers and brokers.” In conjunction with the appointment, the company has also integrated its distribution and regional management teams into its US commercial insurance business.

Winters was most recently head of specialty products. In his new role, he will report to Zurich North America US commercial insurance head Paul Horgan and Winters’ specialties underwriting teams will also be integrated into US commercial insurance.

He initially joined Zurich North America in 2007 and, prior to leading the specialties business, he was part of Zurich’s customer and distribution management team where he oversaw large commercial customer relationships, broker relationships, and marketing activities. Winter also led Zurich’s casualty practice – which includes domestic, excess and international casualty operations – and strategic risk solutions functions.

Before joining Zurich, Winters served in underwriting and broker relations roles at XL Catlin, Kemper, Travelers and AIG.

Horgan commented that the appointment of Winters “will help strengthen [Zurich’s] relationships with customers and brokers,” adding that the newly integrated commercial insurance business unit will improve collaboration and expedite decision making.