The UAE Shariah-compliant Takaful solutions provider Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) has recruited Walter Jopp as chief executive, following Central Bank of the UAE approval.
Jopp was previously chief executive of Middle East at Zurich International Life, with a longstanding career in the industy.
He will work closely with Salama's board and the rest of the executive team to steer the company's growth ambitions and plans to leverage its position as the "market leader" in the Takaful sector.
In addition to Salama's UAE business, he will also be responsible for its international subsidiaries, M&A strategy and expansion plans.
Saeed Mubarak Alhajeri, chairman of Salama, said: "We are delighted to welcome Walter Jopp to Salama. Walter has a strong track record in the insurance market in the Middle East and brings proven expertise in market development and distribution.
"In addition, his strengths in strategy and leadership will reinforce our commitment to achieving significant business growth and providing exceptional service to our customers as a trusted Sharia'h compliant Takaful solutions provider, while continuing to foster UAE National talent and develop Emirati leadership in the insurance industry, which is also one of the main tasks of the new chief executive."
Jopp added: "I am honoured to join SALAMA and am optimistic about leading the UAE's biggest Takaful provider as it prepares for its next phase of growth and expansion. There are tremendous opportunities for Shariah-compliant insurance solutions (Takaful) in the region and I am convinced that Salama is strategically well-positioned with its collective expertise to take full advantage of this promising environment."
