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Merski to Head Zurich's Federal Affairs

Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Rich Merski, who most recently managed AIG's Washington government affairs activities, to lead the firm's federal government affairs in the U.S.

As senior-vice president and head of federal affairs in the U.S, Merski will be responsible for overall strategy and legislative affairs for Zurich's U.S. Farmers federal legislative and political affairs activities.

Zurich is the fourth-largest European insurer, and has a growing presence in the United States through Farmers Group Inc.'s insurance units.

The firm's U.S. companies include Zurich North America Commercial and Zurich Global Corporate, North America.