Zurich North America Names Dawn Hiestand Head of Captives

Zurich North America has named Dawn Hiestand head of captives. Taking the position February 1, Ms. Hiestand will be responsible for the overall strategy and operational management of Zurich North America's group captives insurance business, which includes member-owned, agency, and fronted captives.

Ms. Hiestand will report to Paul Horgan, head of US national accounts.

Since joining Zurich in 2000, Ms. Hiestand has held leadership positions in claims, operational transformation, and underwriting. She served as chief operations officer for alternative markets before serving in the same role for direct markets. She is also head of the Women's Innovation Network, the employee resource group that is Zurich's largest and oldest.

Ms. Hiestand previously practiced law at private firms. She earned her juris doctor and bachelor of arts degrees in political science from Valparaiso University.

As Zurich's head of captives, Ms. Hiestand replaces Jason Meador, who is moving to Zurich's crop insurance business, Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS), February 1 as head of RCIS. In his new position, Mr. Meador will report to Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn and will be responsible for the direction and strategic planning of Zurich's crop insurance business.

Pictured above are Ms. Hiestand and Mr. Meador. (Courtesy photos.)