Zurich Proposes Former SEC Chief Accountant as Board Member

Zurich Financial Services announced that the Board of Directors will propose to the 2006 Annual General Meeting of shareholders on April 20 the election of Donald T. Nicolaisen, 61, to the Board of Directors.

Nicolaisen recently retired as Chief Accountant from the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC). Zurich’s bulletin notes that he “oversaw the SEC’s accounting policy initiatives and led the efforts with national and international standard-setters on critical accounting and auditing issues, including international convergence and initiatives to adopt principles-based accounting standards. During his tenure, he strengthened and restructured the Office of the Chief Accountant, more than doubling its size.”

Board Chairman Dr. Manfred Gentz, noted: “My colleagues and I are very pleased that Don Nicolaisen accepted our nomination. Given his broad experience gained in public office and private practice, he will add critical expertise to our Board.”