Zurich North America Names Al Crook as Chief Human Resources Officer
NewsroomNewsJuly 16, 2024
Crook will lead all aspects of Zurich’s Human Resources function as it focuses on strengthening an empowered culture and delivering on business priorities.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Zurich North America has appointed Al Crook as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective immediately. Crook has more than 30 years of Human Resources leadership and business experience. He most recently served as Zurich’s Head of HR Business Partners, where he built deep relationships across the organization’s businesses and functions.
Crook also has served as Executive Sponsor of the Zurich Apprenticeship Program since its inception in 2015. Over this time, he has worked to solidify Zurich as a U.S. Department of Labor-recognized Apprenticeship Ambassador and establish the Chicago Apprenticeship Network with partners Aon and Accenture. Zurich’s award-winning program opens a new and diverse pipeline of talent for the organization and has helped numerous individuals begin successful careers in the insurance industry while earning a degree.
Crook, who has served as interim CHRO since May, 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 Resources function and help the organization advance our people ambitions to drive business results,” said Terryn.
Prior to joining Zurich in 2014, Crook led HR delivery for HSBC North America, serving as Head of Human Resources for Risk and Compliance, and prior to that within North American Insurance and Taxpayer Financial Services.
Active in the community, Crook is 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 has an MBA from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in management from Northern Illinois University. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.