Zurich North America has announced the appointment of Denise Olson (pictured above) as head of programs. Olson will report to Alex Wells, head of US middle market, and will continue as a member of the Zurich North America leadership team. She succeeds Greg Massey, who is retiring.

In her new role, Olson will be responsible for the executive management of Zurich’s programs business and fostering and maintaining relationships with program administrators.

“With [Olson’s] extensive knowledge of the programs business, strong underwriting acumen and exemplary leadership skills, I am confident that we will continue to maintain our top-tier position in the programs space and build on this critical business,” Wells said.

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Olson joined Zurich in 2003, and has held several leadership roles in underwriting, product development, and actuarial. Prior to taking her new role, she served as the technical director for programs, working with the line of business and pricing and actuarial teams to lead technical underwriting for the programs business. She also continued her responsibilities for new program selection and due diligence. Olson was named a Zurich KAMP Award honoree in 2020.