Swiss Re has announced the appointment of Bernhard Kaufmann as the new Group Chief Risk Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Kaufmann will take over from Patrick Raaflaub, who is retiring.
Kaufmann brings 17 years of experience in Chief Risk Officer positions within the re/insurance sector. He will be joining Swiss Re from Helvetia, where he currently serves as the Group Chief Risk Officer. His previous roles include serving as Chief Risk Officer at NN Group and holding senior leadership positions at Munich Re Group, culminating in his role as Group Chief Risk Officer. Kaufmann earned his PhD in theoretical physics from the Technical University of Munich.
Jacques de Vaucleroy, Chairman of Swiss Re, expressed confidence in Kaufmann's capabilities: "We are delighted to have found a seasoned leader in Bernhard Kaufmann. With his deep expertise in risk management in the re/insurance industry, he is well equipped to navigate Swiss Re through the increasingly complex risk and regulatory landscape." De Vaucleroy also extended gratitude to Raaflaub: "I would also like to thank Patrick Raaflaub on behalf of the entire Board of Directors for his great contributions at Swiss Re over the past years and wish him all the very best for the future."