Swiss Re Names Nicole Pieterse as Chief People Officer Effective January 2026

Swiss Re announced that Nicole Pieterse, currently Head Human Resources for Property & Casualty Reinsurance, will become Chief People Officer effective January 1, 2026. Pieterse will succeed Cathy Desquesses, who is stepping down from the role for personal reasons. The appointment represents a significant leadership transition for one of the world's leading reinsurance providers as it continues its strategic transformation.

Pieterse brings substantial human resources expertise to the position, having joined Swiss Re in 2015 and served in her current role overseeing HR for the Property & Casualty Reinsurance division. Prior to joining Swiss Re, she held various senior HR positions across the financial services industry, building a strong track record in human resources leadership. Her internal promotion reflects Swiss Re's commitment to developing talent from within its own ranks.

Jacques de Vaucleroy, Swiss Re's Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed support for the transition, stating that the Board welcomes Pieterse to the Group Executive Committee as a distinguished and highly accomplished HR leader. De Vaucleroy acknowledged Desquesses' decision to step down, noting that while the Board regrets her departure, they fully understand and support her choice. He emphasized the Board's gratitude for Desquesses' four and a half years of outstanding collaboration during which she played an instrumental role in shaping Swiss Re's path to renewed success.

Andreas Berger, Swiss Re's Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted Desquesses' pivotal role in the company's transformation while expressing confidence in Pieterse's appointment. Berger stated that while the company is sorry to see Desquesses leave and wishes her well as she focuses on her health, he is pleased that Swiss Re has appointed an excellent leader from within its own organization. Berger added that he looks forward to advancing Swiss Re's strategic people agenda together with Pieterse and his Group Executive colleagues.

The leadership change comes as Swiss Re continues to position itself as a global leader in reinsurance, insurance, and insurance-based risk transfer solutions. The company, which operates through approximately 70 offices worldwide, focuses on anticipating and managing diverse risks ranging from natural catastrophes and climate change to aging populations and cybercrime. The appointment of a new Chief People Officer represents a strategic move in maintaining the company's focus on its people agenda during ongoing organizational development. For additional information about Swiss Re's corporate announcements, readers can access the company's press releases through their official channels.