VIG Re, the reinsurance arm of Vienna Insurance Group, has appointed Catrina Gemmerich to succeed Stephan Wirz as Member of the Board of Management and Chief Business Officer (CBO). She will take up the roles when Wirz’s term ends on 1 March 2027.
Gemmerich’s leadership transition will take effect on the same date following a structured handover period, subject to approval by the regulator, following a vote by the firm’s Supervisory Board.
Currently, Gemmerich serves as Managing Director of VIG Re Germany and Market Head of DACH, Nordics & Southern Europe and VIG Group business since February 2023.
Since joining VIG Re, she has built and developed the Munich operation into an important commercial hub, assembled a new underwriting team and strengthened the company’s market presence in Germany. Before this, Gemmerich held several underwriting and client management roles at Munich Re.
Wirz has almost three decades of reinsurance industry experience and joined VIG Re as a member of the Board of Management on 1 May 2021.
Before this, he spent 24 years with Swiss Re, holding various positions within the headquarters and foreign branches in Asia. He led the Korean Branch, the Japan P&C team, and the Middle East market team. He was also a Member of the Board of Directors of PRS Prime Re Services, providing consulting and other services in reinsurance.
Peter Höfinger, Chairman, Supervisory Board, VIG Re, commented, “I would like to sincerely thank Stephan Wirz for the important role he has played in the development of VIG Re over the past years. His deep industry knowledge and, global perspective has been highly appreciated. We wish him every success in the future. We are happy to welcome Catrina to the Board of Management. As the Supervisory Board, we have full trust in her and see her as the ideal candidate for this role.”
Tobias Sonndorfer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VIG Re, added, ” I would like to thank Stephan for the years we have worked together and wish him all the best for the future. At the same time, I am happy to welcome Catrina Gemmerich to the Board of Management.
“She combines excellent market expertise, strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of our business. Catrina has already made a significant contribution to VIG Re’s success, and I am convinced she will play an important role in shaping the company’s next chapter.”
Gemmerich said, “I’m excited to take on this new role and help shape VIG Re’s next chapter. In an increasingly complex and fast-changing world, clients expect reinsurers to bring more than capacity, they value expertise, perspective and long-term partnership.
“As our industry evolves, our ambition is to support our clients and business partners with confidence and ideas that help them navigate change successfully. I’m grateful to Stephan for his leadership and for the foundation that has been established over the past years. Looking ahead, I’m excited to help drive VIG Re’s continued growth and success together with our clients, partners and colleagues.”
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