The provider of life insurance-based wealth management services has added to its European management team.

Luxembourg-headquartered Lombard International Assurance has appointed Gabriel Spirig as head of distribution and business development for Switzerland and Northern Europe, a newly-created role.

Spirig joins from Credit Suisse where he was global head of the third-party life insurance solutions department, with responsibility for the insurance brokerage business and life insurance offerings.

Previously, he held senior positions at Credit Suisse, including head of sales management, where he led a team responsible for developing and implementing global sales strategies.

Spirig will be based in Zurich and tasked with developing business in countries such as Germany, Finland, Sweden and Norway, as well as overseeing ongoing relations in Switzerland. Additionally, he will drive the distribution development of a new suite of high life cover solutions which the firm is currently developing.

He will report to Jurgen Vanhoenacker, executive director of sales, marketing and wealth structuring.

“Gabriel’s previous experience in wealth structuring for high net worth individuals, their families and institutions globally will be of tremendous value to the firm,” said Vanhoenacker. “This strategic hire will enable us to maximise the growth opportunities we are seeing in these markets.”