Swiss Re Announces Leadership Changes: Kera McDonald Appointed Group CUO
Swiss Re has appointed Kera McDonald as the new Group Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), effective as of June 1, 2025. McDonald’s career at Swiss Re began in 2006, and she brings with her a wealth of over 30 years of experience in the industry. She has been a key member of the Corporate Solutions executive committee since July 2019 and has served as the CUO for this specific business unit starting in 2022.
In her upcoming role, McDonald will be responsible for ensuring underwriting excellence across all business sectors, managing the allocation of group capacity, setting mid-term underwriting objectives, and providing approval for significant or complex transactions.
Andreas Berger, the Group CEO at Swiss Re, remarked: “Underwriting is the backbone of our operations, and by reinstating this function, we demonstrate our dedication to bolstering technical excellence throughout our business lines.” He further added, “In her capacity as the CUO for Corporate Solutions, Kera has played a pivotal role in enhancing costing accuracy and markedly improving the discipline and processes of portfolio management.”
At the same time, Patrick Raaflaub, who serves as the group’s Chief Risk Officer, will retire by the end of September 2025 after an illustrious 25-year career with the company. The search for his successor is currently in progress.
