Swiss Re appoints CEO Reinsurance Americas

Re/insurer Swiss Re has appointed Jonathan Isherwood as CEO Reinsurance Americas. Isherwood, who is currently head of Globals Reinsurance and member of the Reinsurance Executive Committee, will succeed Eric Smith, who has decided to retire.

He will take over responsibilities as CEO Reinsurance Americas starting April 1 2020 and assume the role of regional president Americas and join the group executive committee effective August 14 2020.

Isherwood has close to 30 years of experience in the financial sector and has held leadership positions across functions such as finance, risk, underwriting, operations and sales. For the past seven years he has led the team working with global clients of the Reinsurance Business Unit. Prior to this role, he led a combined reinsurance claims department. He also held a variety of positions at GE Insurance Solutions and GE Capital.

Swiss Re’s Chairman Walter Kielholz said: “On behalf of the Swiss Re board of directors, I would like to thank Eric Smith for his contribution and engagement over the past nine years. His vision, deep market knowledge and client focus helped to advance Swiss Re’s position in the Americas. In Jonathan Isherwood we found an accomplished internal candidate, with a recognised management track-record and a strong client orientation, to take over this important role, and we wish him every success.”