New head of Zurich Community Trust

By Barrie Hudson - 4 December 2023

BusinessCharity
  • Laurie Deans

    Laurie Deans

Zurich Community Trust (ZCT) - Zurich’s community charitable arm in the UK - has appointed of Laurie Deans as its new head.

She will succeed Steve Grimmett, who has decided to step down next April after leading the organisation for the past five years.  

Laurie has been with Swindon-based Zurich for two decades, having joined the business on the Actuarial Graduate Scheme in 2004. She has held a number of roles across pricing and underwriting, culminating in her current position as Head of EEA Implementation and Engagement.  

Laurie has been involved in ZCT for several years. She has been a member of the Trust Executive since 2020, which has given her hands-on experience of the Trust.  This year the Trust celebrates its 50th year, having contributed over £100 million to local communities during this time. 

 

Steve Collinson, Zurich’s UK Chief People Officer and Chair of Trustees ZCT, comments: “Laurie is another great example of effective succession planning for internal talent at Zurich. Laurie joined us on the graduate scheme and has since carved a successful career over the past two decades. We know she’s going to bring great value and expertise to the future success of ZCT.  

“I would like to thank Steve for the integral role he has played in leading the Trust with such passion and commitment over the past five years. We all wish him every success in the stage of his career.” 

 

Laurie Deans said: “The impact the Trust has both in our communities and our people in Zurich UK is immense. Being part of the Trust Exec has helped me to really understand the challenges of the people and charities we help. 

"I’m really looking forward to shaping the next stage of the Trust’s journey, building on the amazing work Steve and the team have achieved to date.”  

Steve Grimmett, current head of ZCT, said: "After twenty years working across various roles within Zurich, now feels like the right time to hand over the reins. I’m looking forward to devoting more time to my passion for photography. 

"I will also look to continue to support both the UK charitable sector and corporate community investment programmes." 

Laurie will step into the role on 1 March, working alongside Steve who plans to leave ZCT at the end of April. 

 

 

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