Munich Re has appointed Gavin Maistry as CEO of Life & Health (L&H) Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APAC MEA), succeeding Daniel Cossette, who will retire in the second half of 2026 after 19 years with the company.
Maistry currently serves as global chief actuary for Munich Reinsurance company L&H. Prior to that, he served as Regional Chief Risk Officer and Deputy CEO of L&H APAC MEA.
He has been with Munich Re since 2008 and has more than 30 years of experience in the reinsurance and insurance industry.
In his new role, Maistry will reportedly be responsible for managing 600 professionals across 16 branches and representative offices serving more than 600 clients across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
In addition, Munich Re said Maistry will provide strategic direction to four non-reinsurance divisions (MedNet, Munich Re Automation Solutions, Munich Re Health Technology and Munich Re Beijing Re), which has approximately 1,100 employees in 16 countries.
Munich Re spoke highly of the outgoing Cossette, noting that under his leadership, the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region achieved significant growth and brought reliable profit contributions to the global L&H organization.
The reinsurer added: “He established a regional center in Singapore, launched a financially motivated reinsurance business, expanded high-net-worth individuals from Singapore and introduced an interlocking business model combining reinsurance, digital solutions and third-party management services through MedNet in the Middle East.”
In response to the industry’s digital transformation, Cossette is also said to have strengthened its innovation and digital capabilities, overseeing software companies Munich Re HealthTech and Munich Re Automation Solutions, and establishing Munich Re Digital Solutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mari-Lizette Malherbe, Member of the Management Board of Munich Re, said: “With his keen insight into market sentiment, growth opportunities, technological developments and operational optimization, Daniel drives the business forward to meet the changing needs of the region’s dynamic and diverse markets. We are very grateful for his dedication and leadership achievements, which will be a lasting source of inspiration.”
She continued: “Our markets in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa play a crucial role in achieving the overall growth objectives of Munich Re’s life and health reinsurance business.
“With his wealth of experience, Gavin is well-qualified to drive our ambitions across the full range of life and health reinsurance, including traditional and financial reinsurance, longevity solutions and strategic transactions.”
Maistry added: “Finding the best solutions for our customers is and will continue to be a driving force for our Life & Health business in the region. We hope to continue to expand our product portfolio in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. I am excited to lead a team built on capabilities, an entrepreneurial mindset and an innovative mindset.”
