Swiss Re announced that Nicole Pieterse will become the company's Chief People Officer starting January 1, 2026. Pieterse, who currently serves as Head Human Resources for Property & Casualty Reinsurance, will replace Cathy Desquesses, who is stepping down for personal reasons. The appointment represents an internal promotion for Pieterse, who joined Swiss Re in 2015 and brings extensive HR leadership experience from the financial services industry.
The leadership transition comes as Swiss Re continues its organizational transformation under Group Chief Executive Officer Andreas Berger. Berger acknowledged Desquesses's pivotal role in the company's transformation, stating she was instrumental in shaping Swiss Re's path to renewed success. Desquesses's departure is attributed to her decision to focus on her health, with company leadership expressing support for her choice while regretting her exit after four and a half years of collaboration.
Jacques de Vaucleroy, Swiss Re's Chairman of the Board of Directors, welcomed Pieterse to the Group Executive Committee, describing her as a distinguished and highly accomplished HR leader. The internal appointment suggests Swiss Re is prioritizing continuity in its people strategy during a period of significant industry challenges, including managing risks from natural catastrophes to climate change and cyber crime. As one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance and insurance, Swiss Re's human resources leadership plays a critical role in navigating these complex risk landscapes.
The timing of this executive transition is significant as the insurance industry faces unprecedented challenges from climate-related disasters, technological disruption, and evolving workforce expectations. Pieterse's promotion from within indicates Swiss Re is leveraging institutional knowledge while maintaining strategic momentum in its people agenda. The company's focus on enabling society to thrive and progress through risk management solutions requires effective talent development and organizational leadership, making the Chief People Officer position increasingly strategic in the competitive reinsurance market.
For additional information about Swiss Re's corporate announcements, readers can access the company's press releases through their official communications channel. The full details of this executive appointment are available in the original release published on the news distribution platform.
