Zurich Cover-More Appoints Jeff Rutledge as CEO: Here’s What You Need To Know

Zurich Cover-More, a prominent player in the global travel insurance and assistance market, has officially named Jeff Rutledge as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2025. This strategic leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the company, which is part of Zurich Insurance Group, one of the world’s leading multi-line insurers. Rutledge, with over 25 years of experience in the travel insurance industry, will spearhead Zurich Cover-More’s efforts to expand its reach and enhance its services across the globe.

Leadership Transition at Zurich Cover-More

Jeff Rutledge’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Zurich Cover-More as the company aims to solidify its position as a leading force in the travel insurance sector. Rutledge brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the president and CEO of AIG Travel for over 18 years, where he was responsible for overseeing the global operations of AIG’s travel insurance business. His deep industry knowledge and expertise in leading large-scale insurance operations will be instrumental in shaping Zurich Cover-More’s future.

Following Zurich’s acquisition of AIG’s global personal travel insurance and assistance business, including Travel Guard, Rutledge was appointed the Global Travel CEO at Zurich Cover-More in December 2024. His appointment reflects Zurich’s strategy to strengthen its travel insurance and assistance offerings by bringing in a seasoned leader with a proven track record in the sector.

Farewell to David Fike, Zurich Cover-More’s Long-Term CEO

This announcement also marks the retirement of David Fike, the current CEO of Zurich Cover-More, who has been a key figure in the company’s success over the past decade. Fike, who has dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the insurance industry, including more than 10 years in senior leadership roles at Zurich, will be stepping down after a distinguished career. Under his leadership, Zurich Cover-More grew significantly, enhancing its global footprint and improving the services it provides to millions of travelers around the world.

Cara Morton, CEO of Zurich Global Ventures, expressed her gratitude to Fike for his outstanding leadership during his tenure, stating, “David has been an exceptional leader, and his contributions to Zurich Cover-More have been invaluable. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Jeff Rutledge’s Vision for Zurich Cover-More’s Future

In his new role, Rutledge is set to focus on expanding Zurich Cover-More’s presence in the global travel insurance market and furthering its commitment to providing high-quality services to travelers. Commenting on his appointment, Rutledge expressed his excitement for the opportunity to lead the company, stating, “It’s an honor to lead Zurich Cover-More at such a pivotal time. I’m grateful to David for his guidance and partnership during our transition. I look forward to working with our talented global team to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions and to strengthen our position as a trusted partner in travel insurance and assistance.”

Zurich Cover-More has long been recognized for its commitment to providing comprehensive travel protection, helping more than 20 million travelers each year. The company’s range of customer-facing brands, including Travel Guard, Cover-More Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance, Universal Assistance, World Travel Protection, Freely, and Blue Insurance, ensures that travelers have access to the support and protection they need, no matter where they are in the world.

Expanding Leadership with Emily Yoo’s Appointment

In addition to Rutledge’s appointment, Zurich Cover-More has also made another important leadership change. Emily Yoo, who is currently serving as the Transformation Director at Zurich Cover-More, has been appointed as the company’s new Head of Operations & Transformation. This newly created role will see Yoo leading the integration of Travel Guard into Zurich Cover-More and overseeing key operational areas such as claims, technology, and customer service. Her experience in driving transformation initiatives within Zurich Cover-More will be pivotal as the company works to enhance its services for customers around the globe.

Both Rutledge and Yoo will report directly to Cara Morton, CEO of Zurich Global Ventures, ensuring alignment between Zurich Cover-More’s strategic initiatives and the broader goals of Zurich Insurance Group.

Zurich Cover-More’s Role in the Global Travel Insurance Market

Zurich Cover-More stands as one of the largest travel insurance and assistance providers in the world. With a connected workforce of more than 2,900 employees and partnerships with over 200 distribution partners worldwide, the company is dedicated to supporting travelers across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Its strategic collaborations with airlines, travel agencies, major banks, and credit card providers ensure that Zurich Cover-More’s products reach millions of customers in key markets.

Zurich Cover-More’s commitment to providing more care and coverage for travelers aligns with Zurich Insurance Group’s overarching purpose to create a brighter future together. The company has ambitious sustainability goals, including a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and maintain the highest possible ESG rating from MSCI. Zurich’s focus on climate resilience and well-being further supports its mission to lead in the global insurance market.

Looking to the Future

As Zurich Cover-More continues to evolve, Rutledge’s leadership will be crucial in adapting to the changing landscape of global travel and insurance. With an increasing focus on digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, and expanding partnerships, Zurich Cover-More is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the global travel insurance market.

With Jeff Rutledge at the helm, Zurich Cover-More’s future looks bright as it continues to innovate and expand its services, making travel safer and more accessible for millions of people worldwide.