Six months into the role of group CEO, Michel M. Liès is putting Swiss Re’s recent turnaround and restructuring behind it and setting new standards of transparency and financial targets.
The mathematician is not completely numbers-orientated though—he also has loftier goals around innovation, sustainability and tapping emerging economies for growth.
The reinsurance market was once built exclusively on foundations of personal relationships and mutual trust and understanding. In addition, the industry has not always been good at communicating with shareholders.
But things are changing now and Swiss Re is leading the way in the business of being specific about targets and accountable for its strategic and financial goals. Four years ago, it had a strong brand, a reputation for innovation and strong market share—yet it ended up in a mess during the financial crisis. Frustrated shareholders demanded change.
Reinsurance, Swiss Re, Michel Lies, Leadership, Growth, Transparency
