PartnerRe Ltd. announced that Jacques Bonneau will retire from the company effective April 1, 2024. Philippe Meyenhofer will succeed him as chief executive officer and take his place on the board of directors.

As part of the transition, Jon Colello, CEO, P&C Americas, will assume the added role of president of PartnerRe Ltd., with executive responsibility for all non-life underwriting, reporting to Meyenhofer. During the interim period, Bonneau will delegate most of his duties to Meyenhofer and Colello to ensure a smooth transition.

Meyenhofer joined PartnerRe in 2010 and has held positions of increasing leadership since that time, most recently as a member of the executive leadership team and CEO, Specialty Lines. He was appointed to head of Specialty Casualty PartnerRe Global in 2013, to head of Europe P&C in 2016, and gained the additional responsibility of deputy CEO P&C in 2018. In 2020, he was named CEO of PartnerRe’s Specialty Lines. He will continue to be based in the company’s Zurich office.

Colello is a member of PartnerRe’s executive leadership team. Since joining PartnerRe in 2019, he has had executive responsibility for leading PartnerRe’s Property & Casualty business in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, as well as for the company’s Health business in the U.S. He will continue to be based in Stamford, Conn.

Effective immediately, Christian Mitterer assumes the role of CEO of Specialty Lines, while Ingrid Gjonaj joins the executive leadership team as CEO, P&C EMEA. Mitterer has served in various senior roles since joining PartnerRe in 2012, most recently as CEO P&C EMEA. Gjonaj started with PartnerRe in 2006 and currently serves as head of region, Western and Southern Europe.

“The fact that we are in the position to appoint PartnerRe’s next CEO and president from within the company speaks to the strength and depth of talent in the organization,” said Thierry Derez, chairman of PartnerRe’s board of directors, in a statement. “Together, Philippe and Jon bring a wealth of industry experience, proven business and leadership skills, and strong track record in underwriting combined with a deep knowledge of PartnerRe’ clients, brokers and employees.”

Derez said that under Bonneau’s “leadership, the company’s business, strategic positioning, financial results, and operational excellence have been strengthened in important ways. Jacques also led the successful transition to Covéa ownership. Jacques has been a very dedicated and strong leader, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Source: PartnerRe