Swiss Re chief executive Christian Mumenthaler (pictured) has become the new chair of The Geneva Association, succeeding Intact Financial CEO Charles Brindamour.
Replacing Mumenthaler as vice chairman is AIA chief executive and president Lee Yuan Siong. Meanwhile, Aviva boss Amanda Blanc has joined as a new member of the board. As for Brindamour, the ex-chair is staying on as a board member.
“It has been my privilege to work with Charles Brindamour since I joined the organisation in 2019,” said The Geneva Association managing director Jad Ariss. “I am very pleased that Christian Mumenthaler has accepted to become the chairman of The Geneva Association and am grateful to the board for running the succession smoothly.”
Ariss continued: “I look forward to working with Christian as new chairman and Lee Yuan Siong as new vice chairman. I also warmly welcome Amanda Blanc as new board member.
“Together with the rest of the board we will ensure The Geneva Association – through its programme of research, discussions, and outreach – continues to provide meaningful support to the insurance sector in its mission to make the world a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient place.”
Aside from the Swiss Re and AIA CEOs, also part of the board’s executive committee are Munich Re’s Joachim Wenning, who serves as treasurer; Allianz chief Oliver Bäte; and Tsuyoshi Nagano, chair of Tokio Marine.
Commenting on his new position, Mumenthaler stated: “I feel privileged to take on this role at such a crucial time for both our industry and society more broadly, as re/insurers mobilise to confront immense challenges, namely climate change and the after-effects of COVID-19.
“I thank Charles Brindamour for his outstanding leadership over the past three years. Under his chairmanship, The Geneva Association has deeply transformed. Through its rich portfolio of research and dialogue activities, the organisation makes an essential contribution to the debate on strengthening the world’s resilience to global risks.”
Mumenthaler added that he looks forward to further increasing the impact The Geneva Association has for all its stakeholders.
Also honoured to be appointed, the organisation’s new vice chair commented: “The enormous positive difference that insurance can bring to the lives of our communities has never been more relevant than it is today.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with Christian and members of the board as we work together to address the global strategic and risk management issues facing our industry, while playing our part in the transition to a better, more sustainable future.”
The other board members, alongside Blanc and Brindamour, are Thomas Buberl (AXA), Philippe Donnet (Generali), Antonio Huertas Mejías (MAPFRE), Denis Kessler (SCOR), Michael Khalaf (MetLife), Charles F. Lowrey (Prudential Financial), Anna Manning (Reinsurance Group of America), John Neal (Lloyd’s), and Alejandro Simón (Grupo Sancor Seguros).
“I look forward to working with Christian, contributing to The Geneva Association agenda and supporting the critical role which the global insurance industry plays in the resilience of our economy and society,” said Blanc.
