Gen Re, the global reinsurance subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced that Winfried Heinen, its long-standing Head of Life and Health International business, has decided to retire on July 31, 2020.
Heinen joined the company in 1988 and currently serves as Chairman of the Executive Board of General Reinsurance AG, Gen Re’s German legal entity and the main risk carrier for its international business.
From August, the role of Executive Board Chairman will be assumed by Charles Shamieh, who is already a member of General Reinsurance AG’s Executive Board.
Shamieh is also Chairman of General Re Corporation – the Gen Re Group’s holding company.
Against the backdrop of Mr. Heinen’s retirement and under the leadership of Shamieh, Gen Re’s Life and Health International business will now be run as three regional business segments.
Tuan Miang Chua will lead the Life and Health International business in the Asia region, while Ulrich Pasdika will lead Europe, Latin America and MENA, and Peter Temple will lead Australia & New Zealand, Canada & Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa and UK & Ireland.
“We cannot thank Winfried enough. He has built a legacy and franchise that is second to none in the reinsurance industry and his impact on our Life and Health business will be a benefit to the corporate brand for years to come,” said Shamieh.
“Across five continents, he and his team have continuously fostered and developed tremendously valuable customer relationships and first-class reinsurance products and services,” he added.
“In doing so, they were standing on the shoulders of successful predecessors – and so will the next generation. I have enormous confidence in this team.”
Heinen also commented: “In 2021, General Reinsurance AG will celebrate its 175th anniversary; it is the oldest reinsurance company in the world and in a class of its own.”
“It’s been a true privilege to have grown along with this incredible company and the wonderful team I’ve had the pleasure to be part of. No doubt, they will continue to write this success story for many more years to come.”
