Helvetia appoints group CRO
Risk management is now under the remit of the group's executive management
The rising significance of risk management at board level across Europe was underlined this week as Swiss insurer Helvetia Insurance announced the appointment of Bernhard Kaufmann as group chief risk officer and a member of the group executive board.
The appointment, which will be effective as of November, comes on the back of a reorganisation of the group risk function.
Back in May, Helvetia announced that risk management would become part of the group executive management, responsible for all strategic, financial and operational risks, as well as governing all ESG activities and risks associated with large group projects and market units.
It will now be led by the experienced Kaufmann, who joins from Dutch insurer NN Group where he has been chief risk officer and a member of the management board since 2020.
He has previously worked as group chief risk officer for Munich Re, in addition to other roles for the German reinsurer.
Kaufmann’s appointment was welcomed by Helvetia Group CEO Fabian Rupprecht, as was the adjustment of the group structure, which is now complete with the appointment of Kaufmann as group CRO.
“The integration of group risk management as an independent part of the group executive board will allow us to further improve our governance and ensure that Helvetia is a reliable partner for its customers, employees and investors, even in times of constant change,” said Rupprecht.
He added: “With Bernhard Kaufmann, Helvetia gains a proven risk management expert and an executive with extensive international experience. I’m delighted that he’s coming on board to strengthen our team.”
“The adjusted group structure and new members of the executive management will strengthen Helvetia’s international dimension. At the same time, we’re moving forwards with respect to diversity in a number of ways,” Rupprecht said.
