Alford (Al) Crook

Skills and experience

Alford (Al) Crook is Chief Human Resources Officer for Zurich North America, where he is responsible for leading all aspects of Zurich’s Human Resources function as it focuses on strengthening an empowered culture and delivering on business priorities. 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.

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.

External appointments

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.

Educational background

Crook 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.