Howden Re has made changes to its Swiss operation and management set-up as it continues to develop its presence in Europe.
Describing Switzerland as a key market, the company said it is continuing work to build on the acquisition and integration of Swiss specialist reinsurance broker Haakon in 2023.
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In the latest step, the group is bringing its Swiss unit into closer alignment with its broader European structure, while increasing cooperation across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) and widening access to expertise from the region and global network.
Christian Schaer has been named head of Howden Re Switzerland, overseeing the local business and its treaty operations.
Having joined Howden Re in Switzerland in 2023, Schaer has more than 15 years of experience in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) reinsurance market, with work centred on Switzerland and DACH.
Before this role, he was at Partner Re as senior underwriter P&C [property and casualty], EMEA.
The company also referred to the contribution of Ivo Gugolz in setting up the Swiss business, including work linked to the acquisition and integration of Haakon.
Howden Re said Gugolz will leave his current post during this stage of the business’s development, while remaining involved over the coming months to assist with the handover.
Michael Hauswirth is also set to join Howden Re Switzerland as director and will operate out of Zurich.
He has experience in underwriting, direct insurance and reinsurance broking. Most recently, he worked as senior underwriter property treaty at NewRe.
Hauswirth will be a member of the DACH team as it expands the company’s activities across the region.
Howden Re International Continental Europe head Tobias Andersson said: “We have successfully built a strong and well-positioned platform in Switzerland following the acquisition of Haakon in 2023, and we are now taking the next steps to further strengthen and utilise our capabilities to bring increased value to clients.
“As we continue to invest in the DACH region, our focus is on ensuring our clients benefit from the full breadth of Howden Re’s DACH and global expertise.”
