Hannover Re CEO Henchoz becomes new chair of Global Reinsurance Forum

Hannover Re chief executive officer Jean-Jacques Henchoz has been appointed new chairman of the Global Reinsurance Forum (GRF) for a two-year term.

Additionally, Charles Shamieh, chairman of General Re, has been elected vice chairman of GRF.

The GRF is composed of 12 global reinsurers, AXA XL, Gen Re, Hannover Re, Lloyd's, Mapfre Re, Munich Re, PartnerRe, RenaissanceRe, RGA, SCOR, Swiss Re and Toa Re. Its main objective is to promote a stable, innovative and competitive worldwide reinsurance market.

Henchoz said: “It is a privilege to serve as the GRF’s Chair. Global collaboration between the re/insurance industry and government bodies is required to help deal with systemic risks such as the Covid19 pandemic. Furthermore, trade barriers and global tensions and their consequences for the world’s economic order and trading system are of particular concern to reinsurance which is one of the most globally integrated businesses.

"Therefore we need to redouble our efforts to promote an open and fair framework for global reinsurance markets and raise the understanding of the well-proven value of reinsurance to economies and societies.”

Shamieh commented: “I am honoured to take on the role of GRF Vice Chair. In the face of a growing number of business and regulatory challenges, global insurers and reinsurers continue to provide critical support to businesses and individuals throughout the world. These are unprecedented times with natural catastrophes increasing in frequency and severity, a global pandemic posing unforeseen challenges and the continued growth of cyber threats. I am looking forward to working with the GRF and its membership to raise awareness around these important issues and to promote the valuable work of global re/insurers.”