Scor chairman Denis Kessler passes away

Scor paid tribute to its chairman Denis Kessler as news broke that the business and insurance industry veteran has passed way.

Kessler died today aged 71.

Scor announced the news with “great sadness” and its board offered condolences to Kessler’s friends and family.

The reinsurer’s vice chairman Augustin de Romanet will now take over as chairman for an interim period until a successor is appointed.

Kessler joined Scor in 2002 as chairman and CEO. He became non-executive chairman in 2021.

The economist was a member of the Institut de France and was described by Scor as a man of culture firmly committed to his family. The company said his breadth of knowledge ranged from economics to philosophy, literature and music.

“His vision and the depth of his analyses have made a lasting impact on the organisations and bodies he has led and to which he has contributed,” said the reinsurer.

Scor’s directors said they were deeply saddened by the passing of their chairman.

“He was an exceptional individual, with visionary leadership and incredible intelligence. We have lost a friend. We salute the memory of a great man and an extraordinary leader, who was passionate about the insurance and reinsurance industries, their techniques, their values and their philosophy,” the board said.

“Denis has made a tremendous contribution to Scor’s development over the past 21 years, and more widely to public debate on major contemporary economic and social policy issues… To his family and friends, our company expresses its deepest sympathy, gratitude and support,” it added.

Scor’s recently appointed CEO Thierry Léger said it was a “privilege to have had the opportunity to work alongside Denis”.

“He leaves us an extraordinary legacy. It is now up to us to carry on his work. The strong foundations on which he rebuilt the group enable us to look to the future with total confidence,” he added.