As part of the new strategy, VIG Re has strengthened its client-facing senior leadership team with the appointment of Marc Haushofer as Managing Director, Asia Pacific and Joachim Mathe as Head of Special Markets.
Under the VIGRe28 initiative, the company has launched a new customer service model that, as Tobias Sonndorfer, CFA, Chairman and CEO, recently noted, marks a natural evolution of the group’s approach to leveraging data and technology to drive value and unlock opportunity in the face of global uncertainty.
VIG Re explained: “The Client/Marketing unit ensures customer proximity and market knowledge in Europe and Asia. The newly established business unit will build on VIG Re’s existing presence in the region, strengthening client relationships in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while laying the foundation for increased engagement at a pan-Asian level.”
To support this expansion, the company said it will open an office in Singapore, subject to approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Czech National Bank (CNB) and other regulatory authorities.
At the same time, the newly created Special Markets department complements the Customer/Market department and consolidates VIG Re’s professional activities.
It combines Facultative Re, International NatCat and Life Re into a centralized structure. This approach will reportedly combine client focus with global expertise, allowing VIG Re to deliver innovative, customized solutions and strengthen partnerships across complex risk areas.
Marc Haushofer will take on the newly created role of Managing Director Asia Pacific, overseeing VIG Re’s existing operations in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while leading the reinsurer’s pan-Asia expansion.
Haushofer is a reinsurance expert with more than 40 years of experience in the field. Prior to joining VIG Re in May 2025 as Executive Director of International Business Development at VIG, he served as Senior Vice President of RenaissanceRe Asia Pacific.
Meanwhile, Joachim Mathe joins VIG Re as Head of Special Markets, another newly created role focused on accelerating growth, diversifying beyond the traditional non-life treaty market, and delivering tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients.
Mathe brings more than two decades of experience in reinsurance, strategic transformation and global leadership during his time at Munich Re, where he held senior roles including CEO of Munich Re Spain, global head of insurance consulting and account executive.
Haushofer commented: “This new role comes at the perfect time both for me personally and for VIG Re’s ambitions in Asia. The region offers excellent opportunities for meaningful, partner-led growth.
“I’m excited to help VIG Re start a new chapter in the region – strengthening our existing markets and opening new ones through a disciplined, customer-focused approach.”
Mathe said: “I am delighted to join VIG Re at this defining moment and contribute to VIG Re’s growth strategy in new and growing market segments.
“Forming a Specialty Markets unit provides a unique opportunity to combine customer focus, expertise and a growth mindset to build sustainable business opportunities and long-term partnerships. I look forward to working closely with colleagues and customers to shape the future.”
Sonndorfer added: “Marc’s appointment reflects our commitment to strategic expansion and customer value. In this new era of customer-centric development, his outstanding experience in the Asian market will be critical to our long-term and partner-oriented focus on further expansion into the region.”
Stephan Wirz, Member of the Board of Directors and Chief Commercial Officer, noted: “The creation of the Specialty Markets unit is a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Joachim’s proven leadership and clear vision in business development will ensure that VIG Re further expands its role as a trusted partner for clients in an increasingly complex risk landscape.”
