Swiss Re's Benz switches to Aon, is replaced by Zurich's Baroncini

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance arm of Swiss Re, has appointed Manuela Baroncini as new global head of engineering & construction (E&C), effective March 2021.

She succeeds Guido Benz, who will join Aon at the end of December after 13 years with Swiss Re.

Baroncini joins Swiss Re from Zurich Insurance, where she most recently served as head of construction UK. She has almost 20 years of construction insurance experience, and previously worked for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions between 2002 and 2015 in senior roles within the E&C team.

Swiss Re's E&C team insures a range of risks across different sectors including renewable energy, construction, infrastructure, power and utilities, heavy industries and mining.

In her new role, Baroncini will be responsible for driving the company's E&C portfolio, maintaining a profitable book of business and leading a global team of underwriting experts.

Based in London, she will report to Martin Hegelbach, head of property & specialty.

Hegelbach described Baroncini as a "highly energetic, experienced industry leader" who is engaged with the broking community and truly understands the market.

"Over the past several years, Manuela has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience by profitably managing large portfolios of business," he said. "I look forward to working with her as she leads our next phase of development in this key sector."

Hegelbach added: "We wish Guido great success in his new role. He has been instrumental in building up our E&C book of business and expanding our product offering. We are sad to see him leave but look forward to continuing the relationship as he will remain active in the insurance market."