Reinsurer Swiss Re has announced that John Chen has decided to retire from his role as President of Swiss Re China and General Manager of the Beijing Branch.
Chen will step down as of January 31, 2022, following five years at Swiss Re.
Swiss Re has asked Brian Han, Deputy Head of Swiss Re China, to take on interim leadership for its operations in the country while it seeks to find a permanent replacement over the coming months.
Since joining Swiss Re in June 2016, Chen has been considered instrumental in expanding the company’s business and building up the team in China.
He has about 20 years of experience primarily working in the insurance industry in both China and overseas, with previous roles including Chief Actuarial Officer & Member of the Executive Committee of PICC P&C from 2007 to March 2016.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to John for his dedication and contribution,” said Russell Higginbotham, CEO Reinsurance Asia at Swiss Re. “I wish John all the best in his retirement.”
“Swiss Re remains committed to investing in China’s long-term future and being part of this dynamic high growth market,” Higginbotham added. “We are steadfast in our commitment to serve our clients through our knowledge and expertise, and actively support our clients in making the world more resilient. “
Han, who will serve as interim leader following Chen’s departure, joined Swiss Re in July 2020 and was appointed Deputy General Manager of the Beijing Branch in March 2021.
He has since been responsible for strategy execution and operations in China and also leads the P&C Solutions business in the market and drives collaboration across the business.
