Martin Senn, Former Zurich Insurance CEO, Dies at 59

Martin Senn, 59-year-old and former CEO of Zurich Insurance, has committed suicide. This was announced by the same insurance company in a statement today.

"The Martin Senn family informed us that Martin committed suicide last Friday," the company said in a statement. The news of suicide was also reported by the Swiss newspaper Blick, citing sources close to the family. Senn had left, after 6 years, the Zurich Insurance driving last December 1, after the failed attempt of a takeover of the British company RSA.

In a note sent to CNBC, Zurich Insurance writes.

"It is with great shock and sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of Martin Senn. His family informed us of his suicide, which occurred last Friday. With the death of Martin, we lose not only a former chief executive officer and a colleague of great value, but also a close friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in mourning, to whom we extend our deepest condolences. Out of respect for Martin and his family, we will not release any further comment. "