Peak Re names former NewRe exec as new European CEO amid reshuffle

Peak Reinsurance, the Hong Kong-based global reinsurer, has named a former NewRe executive as the new CEO of its Swiss subsidiary amid a reshuffle ahead of a push into the European markets.

Matteo Cussigh has been named as CEO for its wholly-owned subsidiary Peak Reinsurance AG and head of marketing & production, Europe, Peak Re.

Cussigh has been active in the reinsurance industry for over two decades. Before joining Peak Re AG in 2020, Cussigh spent ten years at NewRe, with the latest role as head of origination & analytics, Capital Partners. Previously, Cussigh worked for Aon and Swiss Re.

At the same time, Peak Re announced the retirement of Jacques Burri, who previously held Cussigh’s role, and Emmanuel Thommen, the former senior vice president at Peak Re AG, who have retired. It said that both continue to support Peak Re in an advisory capacity.

Franz Josef Hahn, CEO of Peak Re, said: "We expanded to Europe in 2015 and was licensed to write P&C reinsurance business in 2016, marking our strong commitment to European markets.

“With our team in Zurich, we increase proximity to our European-based clients, while our experts in Hong Kong provide underwriting and operational support. This model helps us best deliver on our values of strong customer focus and fast claims settlement. Matteo will be responsible for the continued growth of Peak Re's European portfolio and further strengthen our relationships with our clients in Europe."

Hahn further commented: "Jacques has been key in building Peak Re's European business since 2015. During his tenure, he and his team have established a strong foundation for our European portfolio and significantly expanded our client reach in this region. On behalf of the entire Peak Re team, I would like to thank Jacques and Emmanuel for their dedication and valuable contributions and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."

Did you get value from this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.