The 2024 Zurich Classic
20 years in, customers and community remain at the heart of the event.
A playoff finish with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry emerging victorious provided a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Zurich Classic, but as always, the event was about much more than golf. As Zurich celebrated our 20th anniversary as title sponsor, the truly big wins were the event’s positive impact on New Orleans and our chance to gather with customers, distributors and colleagues.
The Zurich Classic is unique as the PGA TOUR’s only team event, but also as a networking opportunity. Purely social interactions and industry-focused discussions merged seamlessly as attendees participated in business sessions, watched guest speaker presentations, engaged in friendly competition in the Pro-Am, took in the unforgettable sights and sounds of New Orleans and, of course, enjoyed watching some of the most successful professional golfers in the world.
Zurich’s Direct Markets team again had a significant presence at the event. Among the many attending was Head of Direct Markets, Jason Meador, whose busy schedule did not prevent the avid golfer from playing in the Pro-Am. Head of Strategic Services, Marie Knight, also had an active Classic calendar, including hosting an installment of our “Connections from the Green” video series (see sidebar).
Other highlights of the week included an inspiring Zurich Classic Executive Women’s Day keynote presentation by Dr. Jannell MacAulay. MacAulay is a 20-year Air Force veteran now renowned as a motivational speaker, consultant and instructor in strategic health and human performance. Her speech focused on mindfulness in navigating stress while pursuing career excellence.
Also well-received was an in-depth panel discussion on diversifying the insurance industry held at Dillard University, a prestigious HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Zurich panelists included North America CEO Kristof Terryn, while several Zurich leaders were able to speak directly with Dillard students about potential careers with our company.
On a different educational front, Classic week included a return visit to St. Michael Special School for New Orleans students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years of our sponsorship of the Zurich Classic, Zurich has donated nearly $2 million to this highly honored institution.
While numbers for 2024 are not final, a new record was set for charitable donations surrounding the event. In collaboration with the Fore!Kids Foundation, Zurich has raised more than $30 million for area charitable organizations supporting more than 200,000 children. Established in 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation raises money for children’s service organizations through golf events, including the Classic. The Foundation provides support to dozens of worthy institutions, such as St. Michael Special School, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, and many more.
Zurich has also carried our sustainability commitment over to the Classic. Following in the footsteps of many restaurants in the area, discarded oyster shells were collected to help protect Louisiana’s shoreline from coastal erosion. Glass materials were recycled for repurposing as sand and gravel for ecologically sound construction projects, coastal restoration efforts and disaster relief. Leftover concessions were also donated to local food recovery programs.
From the big swings on the TPC Louisiana course to the big contributions of so many people, the 20th year of the Zurich Classic reinforced its place as a tournament embodying teamwork, resilience and giving back.
Jason Meador, Head of Direct Markets, Zurich North America, at the Classic.
Top of page: Kristof Terryn, CEO of Zurich North America, with Zurich Classic winners Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
Center of page: Terryn with a student at St. Michael Special School.
Connecting at the Classic with Starling Automotive
While the Zurich Classic is a great showcase for our company, we love to share the “Big Easy” spotlight with our customers. At this year’s event, Marie Knight, Head of Strategic Services for Direct Markets at Zurich North America, sat down with Walker Starling, one of the owners of Starling Automotive, for a “Connections from the Green” discussion.
Starling Automotive has dealerships in Florida and South Carolina. Their 20-year relationship with Zurich matches the longevity of our sponsorship of the Classic.
Dependability and quality of service were two of Zurich’s key strengths that Walker Starling said has benefitted his business.
“I know that every single guest that comes through Starling is getting a consistent, excellent opportunity to purchase vehicle service contracts that are backed by Zurich,” Starling said. “And I know that if something happens, my guests’ investment is going to be covered because Starling and Zurich stand behind it.”
Knight and Starling also spoke about employee retention, training and other priorities and goals in their conversation.
