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Zurich appoints construction chief to lead excess and surplus unit
Zurich E&S leadership change takes effect Sept. 16, as E&S property premium fell 13.7% in the first half of 2026 while liability lines rose.
Zurich US has appointed Tobias Cushing, currently head of Zurich US Construction, to lead its excess and surplus lines business, effective September 16, replacing Christopher Lewis, who is retiring after four years in the role.
At the same time, James Savage, who has led US Construction Casualty for the past four years, will succeed Cushing as head of US Construction on September 16.
The move comes as growth in the surplus-lines market begins to moderate and underwriting conditions split more sharply between property and casualty, with premium across the 15 US stamping office states rising 2.8% to $47.6 billion in the first half of 2026.
Zurich US said E&S property premium dropped 13.7%, while non-professional liability rose 11.2% and professional liability increased 15%, reflecting a market where greater competition in property runs alongside continued pressure in liability classes, according to Insurance Business.