Zurich-based global reinsurer Swiss Re has promoted Nicole Pieterse to chief people officer, effective January 1, 2026.
She will replace Cathy Desquesses, who resigned due to personal reasons.
Currently, Pieterse serves as Head of Human Resources for Swiss Re Property & Casualty Reinsurance (P&C Re).
She joined the company in 2015 as Director of Human Resources and subsequently served as Global Head of HR Enterprise Solutions.
Prior to that, she served as HR Director at Credit Suisse and brings deep HR leadership expertise and a strong track record in the financial services industry.
Jacques de Vaucleroy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Swiss Re, said: “The Board welcomes Nicole Pieterse, an outstanding and accomplished human resources leader, to the Group Executive Committee.
“The Board and I personally regret this, but fully understand and support Cathy’s decision to resign. We are grateful for four and a half years of excellent collaboration, during which she was instrumental in setting Swiss Re on its new path to success.”
Andreas Berger, Swiss Re Group CEO, added: “Cathy has played a key role in Swiss Re’s transformation. We regret her departure and wish her all the best as she takes time to focus on her health.
“I am delighted that we have appointed an outstanding leader from within our own ranks in Nicole. I look forward to working with my Group Executive colleagues to advance Swiss Re’s strategic talent agenda.”
