Life insurer MetLife has announced a series of changes to its senior leadership team, including the retirement of Latin America executive vice president and president Oscar Schmidt.
Schmidt departs after a 26-year career with the company.
He will step away from his executive position at the end of the year but will stay on through the end of March 2021 to assist with the leadership transition.
Succeeding Schmidt as regional president of Latin America business will be Eric Clurfain, executive vice president and chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer of MetLife Japan.
“Over the past two and a half decades, Oscar has helped us grow and develop our Latin America business, building a well-diversified portfolio of businesses across the region,” said MetLife President and CEO Michel Khalaf.
“Under his strong leadership, we have grown to become the largest life insurer in Latin America – a distinction achieved organically and through a number of acquisitions.”
Succeeding Clurfain will be Dirk Ostijn, Head of EMEA, subject to the necessary approvals. Ostijn will report to executive vice president Kishore Ponnavolu, regional president, Asia.
“Dirk has successfully led our EMEA region through a challenging operating environment,” Khalaf said.
“Under his leadership, the EMEA team built strong momentum with a robust pipeline of new business opportunities, a relentless focus on efficiency, and a diversified model spanning more than 25 markets. I know his exemplary leadership, deep insurance expertise, and passion for the customer will be welcomed and appreciated by our team in Japan.”
Succeeding Ostijn will be Nuria Garcia, senior vice president and deputy head of EMEA. She will report to Khalaf.
“Nuria has a strong focus on business development and partnerships as well as a passion for the customer,” Khalaf said.
“She is a highly effective leader who can connect internal and external stakeholders to collaborate across business, function and market. Her leadership played an integral role in the region’s continued strong performance, and I have every confidence that she will continue to build on this track record going forward.”
Source: Reinsurance News
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