THE BUSINESS CHIEF INTERVIEW
of Zurich International Life in the Middle East , part of Zurich Insurance Group .
Zurich has a presence in the region that spans the UAE , Bahrain , and Qatar , and through strategic fronting partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Oman .
Committed to becoming the marketleading domestic life insurer and employee benefits provider of choice in the Middle East , Zurich Life Insurance has significantly contributed to the Group ’ s success in the region , providing more than US $ 58 billion in total cover .
Kajiji joined Zurich in 2022 – was that something of a departure from wealth management , or a logical progression ?
“ My transition to Zurich was a strategic move aligned with my passion for innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences ,” he tells Business Chief .
“ Zurich ’ s global presence , brand equity and commitment to growth and innovation presented an exciting opportunity to apply my 25 years of experience in banking and finance to drive the company ’ s strategy in the Middle East region .”
Kajiji may have a quarter century of experience to draw on , but often a fresh pair of eyes – in this case his first foray into insurance – can be just as important .
This is significant as Zurich is 150 years old , and while heritage and longevity are fine attributes , such roots can also hinder innovation .
“ Zurich ’ s 150-year heritage is a testament to our enduring commitment to stability , reliability , and customer trust ,” says Kajiji .
THE CEO ROLE FEELS A MORE PERSONAL JOU WHERE EVERY DECISIO AND ACTION CARRIES WEIGHT AND RESONAN
“ It provides a strong foundation that resonates well with the values of the Middle East market , where trust and reputation are paramount .
“ While we recognise that the insurance landscape is evolving rapidly , with innovation playing a crucial role , we intend to continuously leverage our heritage as a source of strength while actively embracing innovation . We aim to blend the best of our established practices with cutting-edge technologies and modern business approaches .
“ Our vision is to use the Zurich heritage as a launchpad for innovation , ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of our customers in the Middle East market . It ’ s about preserving the trust that comes with our history while embracing the forward-thinking mindset necessary for continuous innovation and growth .”
This is Kajiji ’ s first CEO role , so is he finding the step up harder or easier than he expected ? What extra pressures does he face compared to his previous roles ?
“ Embarking on my first CEO role has been an incredibly fulfilling journey ,” he says .
“ One of the standout aspects of this transition is the need for a more expansive
16 January 2024