This post is part of an archived series of blogs called The LeVine Line, written by former Ambassador Suzan G. LeVine during her time at U.S. Embassy Bern.
1 June 2016
When I first met Martin Senn, he shared with me the mantra for the work he oversaw at Zürich Insurance Group: “We Care”.
His adherence to that mantra was clear and strong every time I had the fortune of working with him. His positive energy, warmth and thoughtfulness brought that mantra to life in ways that affected everyone I saw and with whom I had the opportunity to partner at Zürich Insurance Group.
This man who started his career as an apprentice and who rose up the ranks, applied his passion and experience to help Zürich Insurance Group launch the first insurance apprenticeship – and probably one of the first white collar apprenticeships – in the United States.
The lives of those people in that apprenticeship near Chicago are forever changed because of Martin’s willingness to say “YES” when I asked if they’d think about doing it, and because of his vision of how to get it done.
I do not know the circumstances that led Martin Senn, the former CEO of Zürich Insurance Group to take his life, but I do know that someone with whom I worked closely to make the world a better place is gone. I am profoundly sad that he will not be able to continue working hand in hand with us to make a difference.
His departure from this Earth is a huge loss and punctuates the need to live and love each day to its fullest – and to do all that we can to make a difference because – We ALL Care!
