Peak Re, the Hong Kong-based global reinsurer, has hired Swiss Re’s Victor Kuk as its new chief executive officer (CEO), replacing co-founder Franz-Josef Hahn, who moved to special adviser after leading the company for more than a decade.
Subject to regulatory approval, Cook will serve as CEO of Peak Re from April 20, 2026. He will take the helm of the reinsurer as it embarks on its next phase of growth in Asia Pacific and global markets.
Kuk brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in Asia to Peak Re. Prior to joining Swiss Re, one of the world’s largest reinsurers, he was CEO of Swiss Re Asia Pty Ltd. Ltd. and serves as Head of Markets for Property & Casualty Reinsurance.
Earlier in his career, Kuk held senior roles including CEO General Insurance Asia at AXA and Chief Risk Officer Asia Pacific and Latin America at QBE.
As Hahn steps down as CEO, he will serve as special advisor, providing strategic oversight until October 9, 2026.
Li Wenshan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Peak Re, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to sincerely thank Franz for his visionary leadership and dedication, which have been crucial to Peak Re’s success in becoming a globally respected reinsurance company. We warmly welcome Mr. Guo Weide as CEO; his outstanding leadership and experience will lead the company into a new chapter, accelerating profitable growth and global diversification.”
Gu Bing, Managing Director of KKR, commented: “We are grateful to Franz for leading Peak Re and building Peak Re into a differentiated global reinsurer with a strong presence in high-growth markets. We are pleased to welcome Victor as the new leader of Peak Re, with his proven leadership and strong track record in Asia, and look forward to working closely with him and the management team to support Peak Re’s continued growth and success.”
Hahn added: “I am extremely grateful to our customers, partners, dedicated colleagues and shareholders for their unwavering trust and long-term support over the past decade. Building Peak Re has been the most rewarding chapter of my career and I am proud of the resilient platform and team we have created together. I wish Victor and our talented team success in building on this foundation and driving Peak Re to create even greater value in the years to come.”
Incoming CEO Cook said: “I am honored to lead Peak Re at such a critical time and would like to thank the Board for its trust in me. As the industry grapples with changing market dynamics, climate-related risks, changing economic conditions and rapid technological advances, I look forward to working with the talented team to strengthen our client partnerships and capture new opportunities in key markets around the world.”
“Franz’s pioneering spirit sets an unparalleled standard. Together with the team, I will advance our strategic priorities, foster innovation and ensure continued, profitable growth for our global stakeholders.”
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