Ani Pannell, Country Director for OJ Zurich, has spent the last ten years placing Actuaries across the P&C, Life and Reinsurance markets, and for the last four years has focused on the Swiss market. Ani now leads the brand-new office based in the centre of Zurich, read on to find out more about OJ Zurich and the plans for the future of Oliver James in Switzerland.
Ani, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I have worked in the recruitment industry since 2013 within the Actuarial market. Now leading our Swiss business, I oversee growth, development, and strategy, alongside growing the team and extending our remit. I am passionate about ensuring that we are consistent; offering the same impeccable level of service to job seekers and businesses, new and old.
What made Switzerland an attractive market for you?
Switzerland was a natural location for OJ to open an office: Zurich was ranked number 1 in Europe for economic freedom, and came in first place in the 2022 Global Innovation Index for the 12th year in a row. For over ten years we have worked in the local market and off the back of developing many successful partnerships and relationships, along with positive feedback surrounding our approach, an office in the centre of Zurich was the next stage for our expansion in the Swiss market.
OJ's new Zurich office gives the Swiss team the ideal opportunity to further support businesses that they already have long-standing partnerships with, the capacity to support new collaborations as well as provide more opportunities to job seekers across Switzerland.
As the Director of OJ Zurich, what will you be responsible for?
I oversee a team of consultants covering Switzerland, Germany, and France. My aim is to support and ensure OJ's service is excellent across these areas, as well as looking to expand the team over the coming years. We offer contingent and retained permanent support as well as contract and consulting solutions in country and on a remote basis.
Which markets will you be serving?
We focus on assisting businesses and job seekers in the Insurance, Banking, Finance, and Commerce markets across Actuarial, Change and Technology, and Underwriting.
The new office will also provide further opportunities to hire professionals who are looking to propel their careers in recruitment and build their knowledge and reputation within our core disciplines.
What can the Swiss market expect from the team at OJ Zurich?
Job seekers and businesses within Switzerland can expect an expert service from our specialist recruiters across a range of disciplines, with the best talent in the market at their fingertips. OJ always focuses on building long-term partnerships with the people we work with, ensuring we learn your requirements in detail and always bring together the right person with the right business.
Where do you see the Swiss market in 5-10 years’ time?
I believe Switzerland will continue to differentiate itself as a leading country for innovation, as the job market continues to grow. Switzerland still stands out worldwide as a country with a great quality of life for it's inhabitants, and was even ranked number 1 in a list of the best countries to live in for 2022.
What are you most looking forward to?
Aside from spending the summer swimming in the lake and walking in the mountains, I am looking forward to continuing to grow the local team and help both job seekers and businesses across Switzerland.
Since I stepped across to run the Swiss team we have broken records every year, and with the opening of our brand-new office on Uraniastrasse, we offer a wealth of exciting opportunities for people in the surrounding area. It's never been a more exciting time to join OJ, whether that's working with us or joining one of our specialist teams.
What opportunities are there for people wanting to work at OJ?
OJ continues to expand rapidly globally, with opportunities in a wide range of disciplines and variety of levels. Joining OJ means becoming part of an established team who have a track-record of success and ambitious plans for the future. OJ Zurich opening offers a unique opportunity to join a start up with the backing and resources of a globally recognised brand name.
We're currently recruiting for our OJ Zurich office, to find out more you can contact the team at Switzerland.Careers@oliverjames.com or visit our site at www.workforus.oliverjames.com.
Are you currently looking to hire within Switzerland? Get in touch with one of our Specialist Recruitment Consultants via our Contact Page.
We hire across a wide range of disciplines, follow the links below to view our current vacancies in:
