Walter Jopp

Walter Jopp brings more than 26 years of global leadership experience across the insurance industry, having held senior roles in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wolverhampton (1989-1993). Jopp is based in Dubai and has developed expertise spanning insurance, pensions, bancassurance, and life insurance throughout his career.

His appointment marks a return to Zurich, where he previously served as CEO of Zurich International Life, Middle East from 2016 to 2021. During his tenure at Zurich, which spanned over 24 years, Walter held several senior roles within Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, including developing key bank relationships at a global level and serving as Global Head of Sales for Zurich's International business. Until October 2015 he led the Market Management for Zurich in Asia Pacific and Middle East, overseeing sales, marketing and propositions in the region.

Career history

• CEO, Zurich Middle East Life (2026–present)
• Chief Executive Officer, Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) – UAE's largest Shariah-compliant Takaful provider (2023–2025)
• CEO, Zurich International Life, Middle East (2016–2021)
• Market Management, Zurich Asia Pacific and Middle East (until October 2015)
• Global Head of Sales, Zurich International Business

During his four-year tenure as CEO of Zurich Middle East, Jopp grew profitability by 30% and increased gross written contributions by over 40%, while launching the region's first compulsory employee benefits plan (DEWS) for over 20,000 employees and strengthening relationships with international banks and partners. What Walter Jopp could bring to his role at Zurich Middle East Life: Jopp returns with proven expertise in regional market development, profitability growth, and digital transformation. His recent experience leading Salama, the UAE's largest Takaful insurer, positions him to navigate the evolving Islamic finance and insurance landscape. His track record of expanding strategic partnerships and driving innovation across diverse markets equips him to accelerate Zurich's regional presence and execute ambitious growth plans during this pivotal period for Middle Eastern insurance.