Zurich

Zurich Insurance Group is a leading global insurer operating across more than 210 countries and territories, serving individuals, SMEs and multinational corporations. In Ireland, Zurich employs over 1,000 people, with a significant and growing presence in Wexford, where the company has established a strong operational base supporting its nationwide general insurance business.

Since opening in 2008, Zurich’s Wexford office has evolved from a smaller footprint into a scaled operation employing more than 260 people, which shows sustained investment in the region and confidence in Wexford as a competitive location for business.

A competitive regional location for international business

Wexford offers a compelling value proposition for inward investment, combining access to a skilled workforce with strong connectivity and a high quality of life. For Zurich, the location supports a diverse range of functions; from customer operations and underwriting to data analytics, automation, finance and IT, which has allowed the site to take on increasingly complex and high-value activities.

The company’s experience highlights the strength of Wexford’s talent pipeline, with employees joining from a wide range of sectors including retail, hospitality and graduate entry roles, alongside professionals relocating for lifestyle and flexibility reasons. This breadth of talent aligns with the needs of internationally focused firms seeking scalable and resilient operations outside major urban centres.

Sarah Pierce, Chief Compliance Officer & Head of EEA Oversight at Zurich, and a native of Wexford, notes: “I’ve seen first-hand that Wexford offers a unique combination of talent, connectivity and quality of life. For companies looking to establish or grow operations in Ireland, it provides the infrastructure and capability needed to support long-term, sustainable investment.”

Sarah’s own career path reinforces that message. Originally from Wexford, after 6 years studying and working in Dublin, she began her career with Zurich in the Wexford Centre in 2009. Sarah moved with Zurich back to Dublin in 2011 before returning home permanently to Wexford in 2016. This reflects a broader trend of experienced professionals choosing to relocate home, and her progression into a senior leadership role demonstrates how regional locations can support long-term, international careers.

Building a future-ready workforce

Developing a skilled, future-ready workforce has been central to Zurich’s investment in Wexford, supported by a strong regional education ecosystem. The presence of South East Technological University (SETU) is a key asset for the region, providing a pipeline of highly skilled graduates aligned to industry needs.

Zurich collaborates with SETU across business, finance and marketing programmes, including hiring third year interns each year to gain practical experience, with many progressing into entry-level roles. This partnership strengthens the talent pipeline and supports both recruitment and ongoing upskilling, helping Wexford meet the needs of internationally focused firms.

Zurich is also an active participant in regional initiatives, including the South East Financial Services Cluster, of which it was a founding member. The cluster promotes innovation and investment, particularly in areas such as InsurTech, with strong links to SETU, which plays a leading role in developing the region’s InsurTech ecosystem and attracting new industry to the South East. Together, this alignment between local authority, education providers and industry helps to create the conditions for sustained inward investment and regional growth.

Zurich also played a leading role in developing Ireland’s first Insurance Apprenticeship programme, in partnership with the Insurance Institute of Ireland, creating an alternative route into financial services and supporting regional skills development. More broadly, the programme reflects how education and industry in the south-east are working together to strengthen long-term employment pathways and support the sustainability of the local financial services sector.

Pierce added: “One of the biggest strengths of our Wexford operation is the depth and adaptability of the talent we’ve been able to build. Through partnerships with SETU and initiatives like the Insurance Apprenticeship and InsureTech, we’ve created clear pathways into the business while continuing to invest in upskilling and development at every level.”

Sustained investment and operational growth

Zurich’s growth in Wexford reflects ongoing investment in infrastructure and capability. The expansion from two floors to full-building occupancy demonstrates the scalability of operations in the region and underlines Wexford’s capacity to accommodate growth over time.

The site plays a central role in delivering Zurich’s general insurance business in Ireland, including its direct-to-consumer operations, and reinforces Wexford’s position as a centre of operational excellence. Recent investment includes solar carports with 14 electric vehicle charging points, generating almost 40,000 kWh of electricity and providing up to 65% of the Centre’s daily power needs in optimal conditions, supporting Zurich’s sustainability objectives.

In addition to physical investment, Sarah Pierce added: “Flexibility has been a key part of how we’ve grown in Wexford. Our hybrid working model allows people to build meaningful careers while maintaining a strong connection to where they live, which is a significant advantage in attracting and retaining talent.”

A supportive ecosystem for investment

Zurich’s growth in Wexford has been supported by a highly engaged local ecosystem, including Wexford County Council, Wexford Chamber, IDA Ireland and the wider business community, all of which have played an important role in enabling the company’s establishment and continued expansion in the region.

The continued collaboration between enterprise and local stakeholders reflects a pro-business environment that is responsive to the needs of international companies and supportive of long-term investment. Crucially, the presence of SETU as the region’s technological university strengthens the overall value proposition, acting as a driver of research, innovation and talent retention and enhances the South East’s ability to attract inward investment.

Zurich is an active participant in regional initiatives and a long-standing member of County Wexford Chamber. The company was also delighted to recently support the launch of the Chamber’s Look to Wexford campaign, which promotes the county as a great place to live, work, invest and do business. Together, this alignment between local authorities, education providers and industry helps create the conditions for sustained inward investment and regional growth. 

Quality of life and long-term sustainability

Wexford’s quality of life is a significant differentiator in attracting and retaining talent, offering shorter commute times, a lower cost of living and strong connectivity to Dublin and international markets through Rosslare Europort.

For Zurich employees, this translates into a better work-life balance and greater long-term sustainability in how they live and work; factors that are increasingly central to workforce decision-making.

The company also maintains a strong connection to the local community through its long-standing partnership as headline sponsor of Wexford GAA, Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football. Zurich has also partnered with Windmill Therapeutic Training Unit in Wexford for over 18 years, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities through fundraising and employee volunteering. More recently, Zurich has supported the Rethink Ireland Sustainability Step-Up Fund, a €1.5 million initiative backing innovative projects that deliver social and environmental impact in communities across Ireland, reflecting a broader commitment to responsible and inclusive business practices.

A proud Wexford native, Sarah Pierce highlighted: “Being part of the Wexford community goes beyond our presence as an employer. Our support for Wexford GAA, Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football and many other community-based initiatives is about backing the people and organisations that play such an important role in local life.” 

A model for inward investment in the regions

Zurich’s experience demonstrates how regional locations like Wexford can successfully support international investment as strategic locations capable of delivering talent, scale and long-term value.

With continued investment in infrastructure, skills and regional development, Wexford is well-positioned to attract further inward investment, offering a balanced and sustainable model for growth.

For further details, see Zurich.ie