Swiss Re appoints Baertschi as new EMEA reinsurance CEO

Swiss Re has appointed Urs Baertschi as new CEO reinsurance EMEA, regional president and member of the group executive committee effective Sept. 1, 2019, replacing  Russell Higginbotham.

Higginbotham took over as CEO reinsurance Asia and regional president earlier this month, following the departure of Jayne Plunkett who has left the firm.

Baertschi has been the president reinsurance Latin America for the past four years, during which he is said to have strengthened Swiss Re’s market position and achieved significant business growth.

Prior to this role, Baertschi was managing director, head principal investments & acquisitions Americas with responsibility for Swiss Re’s financial and strategic direct investments as well as corporate development. Previously, he held a variety of M&A and private equity roles inside and outside of Swiss Re focusing on insurance, financial services and healthcare.

Swiss Re’s chairman Walter Kielholz said: “Urs Baertschi is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of broad expertise in the financial services industry. He has a proven track record of fostering sustainable growth and the right skills to lead our business in EMEA to new strengths as we continue to focus on innovation across our business lines. We are pleased to appoint such a strong internal candidate to this important role, ensuring continuity for our clients."

The reinsurer announced the leadership change with its half year 2019 results that saw a net profit decline despite strong reinsurance performance in both property/casualty and life & health segments and investment gains.

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