Zurich North America appoints QBE North America exec as chief data officer

Zurich North America announced Wednesday it appointed former QBE North America Chief Actuary, Data and Analytics Officer Kristen Bessette as chief data officer.

In her new position, Ms. Bessette will advance the company’s data and artificial intelligence-driven initiatives, the insurer said.

Prior to working for QBE North America, Ms. Bessette was a senior vice president and chief actuary of commercial insurance for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and was a Business Insurance Women to Watch winner in 2015, Zurich North America said.

Ms. Bessette is based in Boston and took on the role Jan. 6. She will report to Barry Perkins, Zurich North America’s head of operations.