Chicago, IL-Zurich North America has announced the appointment of Al Crook as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective immediately. Crook, a seasoned HR leader with over 30 years of experience, previously served as Zurich’s Head of HR Business Partners.
Crook has played an important role in several of Zurich’s key initiatives. Notably, he has been the executive sponsor of the Zurich Apprenticeship Program since its inception in 2015. Under his leadership, Zurich has earned recognition as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the US Department of Labor. Crook also contributed to the establishment of the Chicago Apprenticeship Network in collaboration with Aon and Accenture, creating a diverse talent pipeline and providing career opportunities in the insurance industry while facilitating degree achievement.
Having served as interim CHRO since May, Crook will now report directly to Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn.
In his new role, Crook will report directly to Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn. “Al Crook’s ability to develop and deliver strategic HR initiatives and successfully partner with the business, as well as his invaluable work to improve the industry’s diverse talent pipeline through Zurich’s Apprenticeship Program, made him a clear choice to lead the human resource’s function and help the organization advance our people ambitions to drive business results,” said Terryn.
Before joining Zurich in 2014, Crook held significant HR roles at HSBC North America, including Head of Human Resources for Risk and Compliance and North American Insurance and Taxpayer Financial Services.
Crook is active in the community, serving as chairman of the Special Leisure Services Foundation Board, a member of the Doulos Discovery School Foundation board, and a member of DePaul University’s Finance Advisory Board.
He holds an MBA from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in management from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, he served in the US Army Reserve and National Guard and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.
Crook is actively involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the Special Leisure Services Foundation Board, a member of the Doulos Discovery School Foundation Board, and a member of DePaul University’s Finance Advisory Board. He holds an MBA from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, he served in the US Army Reserve and National Guard and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.
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