Zurich to create over 100 ‘cyber security’ jobs

Zurich Insurance is to create 112 new jobs in two technology hubs it is establishing in Dublin to support its global business. One hub will support Zurich's IT service management and the other will support cyber security management. The jobs will be based in Zurich's Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, operation.

Patrick Manley, chief executive of Zurich's general insurance segment in Europe, said robust IT systems are critical to facilitating fast business decisions and speedy customer delivery.

“By establishing these hubs we at Zurich can significantly upgrade our IT capabilities and deliver 'round the clock security monitoring of our IT assets globally,” he said.

The first hub, focused on cyber security, will provide highly available and mature information security services to Zurich entities and will provide 24/7 security monitoring of Zurich IT assets globally.

The hubs will work in a “follow the sun” support model, allowing real-time response to security related events in any of Zurich's global internet points of presence. The IT service management hub will focus on IT service management.

The project is supported by the IDA and recruitment has already commenced for graduates, senior specialists and management positions covering a wide range of areas from change management to cyber analysts to disaster recovery specialists.

IDA chief executive Barry O'Leary said Ireland was chosen as the location for Zurich's investment because of the success of its existing Irish operations. Another factor was Ireland's “IT and cyber security talent, skills and research capability including the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation Centre at University College Dublin”.

Zurich added that the presence of a "well educated, English speaking work-force; a pro-business government and a strong regulatory environment; and the availability of qualified IT staff in the Irish market" were also factors.

Zurich employs 1,000 people in Ireland. Formerly known as Eagle Star, it also sells general and life insurance into the Irish market and moved its European headquarters for general insurance to Dublin in June 2010.