Swiss Re has announced the appointment of Nicole Pieterse as its new Chief People Officer, effective 1 January 2026. Pieterse is currently serving as Head of Human Resources for Property & Casualty Reinsurance at Swiss Re and will succeed Cathy Desquesses, who is stepping down for personal reasons.
Pieterse joined Swiss Re in 2015 and has held several senior roles within human resources. Before joining Swiss Re, she gained experience in HR leadership across the financial services sector.
Jacques de Vaucleroy, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Swiss Re, commented: "The Board welcomes Nicole Pieterse to the Group Executive Committee as a distinguished and highly accomplished HR leader. The Board of Directors and I personally regret yet fully understand and support Cathy's decision to step down. We 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."
Andreas Berger, Group Chief Executive Officer at Swiss Re, added: "Cathy has played a pivotal role in Swiss Re's transformation. We are sorry to see her leave and wish her the very best as she takes time to focus on her health. I am pleased that with Nicole we have appointed an excellent leader from within our own ranks. Together with my Group Executive colleagues I look forward to advancing Swiss Re's strategic people agenda with her."