Swiss Re has named Nicole Pieterse (pictured above) as its next chief people officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Cathy Desquesses, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Pieterse will join the reinsurer’s Group Executive Committee in her new role.
Pieterse is currently head of human resources for Swiss Re’s property and casualty reinsurance business. She joined the company in 2015 after holding a series of senior HR positions in the financial services sector.
Jacques de Vaucleroy, Swiss Re’s chairman of the board of directors, said the board is welcoming Pieterse to the executive committee “as a distinguished and highly accomplished HR leader.”
He added that the board and he “personally regret yet fully understand and support Cathy’s decision to step down” and are “grateful for four and a half years of outstanding collaboration during which she was instrumental in shaping Swiss Re’s path to renewed success.”
Group chief executive officer Andreas Berger said Desquesses “has played a pivotal role in Swiss Re’s transformation” and that the group is “sorry to see her leave and wish her the very best as she takes time to focus on her health.”
Berger added that he and his fellow executive committee members look forward to working with Pieterse to advance Swiss Re’s strategic people agenda. The leadership change comes as the group continues to focus on talent, culture and workforce capabilities across its global reinsurance operations.
Read more: Swiss Re appoints new COO
The C-suite shift follows a period of stronger financial performance, with Swiss Re reporting net income of US$4 billion for the first nine months of 2025, up from US$2.2 billion a year earlier, and maintaining an estimated Group Swiss Solvency Test ratio of 268%.
The group expects to meet its full-year net income target of more than US$4.4 billion, supported by improved property and casualty results and robust recurring investment income.
The CPO appointment also adds to a series of recent leadership moves at the reinsurer, including Swiss Re’s decision to name Robin Spencer chief operating officer for its life and health reinsurance unit, effective September 2025.
Swiss Re has also moved to deepen its bench in Asia, appointing Stephen Abrokwah as head of life and health Japan, effective October 1, pending regulatory and visa approvals.
