Higginbotham Named Swiss Re’s CEO Reinsurance Asia, Replacing Plunkett

Swiss Re announced that Russell Higginbotham has been appointed CEO Reinsurance Asia and regional president, effective July 8, 2019, and subject to necessary regulatory approvals. He is succeeding Jayne Plunkett, who has decided to pursue career opportunities outside Swiss Re.

Higginbotham is an experienced leader who has been with Swiss Re for close to 25 years in various roles and has deep familiarity with Asia Pacific. Before his current role as CEO Reinsurance EMEA and regional president, he led Swiss Re’s global Life & Health (L&H) Products Division. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Swiss Re UK & Ireland, CEO of Swiss Re Australia and New Zealand and led the company’s L&H businesses in Japan and Korea.

“Considering Russell Higginbotham’s experience across Asia and a very strong track record in the industry, we are confident that he is the ideal candidate to succeed Jayne Plunkett in leading our Asia business,” said Walter B. Kielholz, Swiss Re chairman.

Swiss Re said a successor to Russell Higginbotham as CEO Reinsurance EMEA and regional president will be announced in due course.

“On behalf of the Swiss Re Board of Directors, I would like to personally thank Jayne Plunkett for her contribution, engagement and dedication to Swiss Re for close to 20 years,” added Kielholz.

“Under her leadership, our Asia business continued to grow at a steady pace, and we’ve increased our focus on China. During her tenure at Swiss Re, Jayne has had a successful career, during which she held various leadership roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to her current role she served as global head Casualty Reinsurance and head of Casualty Underwriting for Asia, where she focused on growing and developing our business in response to technological changes.”

Source: Swiss Re

Topics Reinsurance Swiss Re