Head of DACH

PartnerRe seeks a Head of DACH to lead underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and client relationships for property and casualty business in the region, based in Zurich.

This position holds full accountability for the profitable growth and underwriting discipline of property, regional casualty, and motor business across the DACH area. The incumbent defines the strategic direction, manages portfolio quality, and leads a high-performing team to achieve financial targets while maintaining strong relationships with key market stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the underwriting strategy for the DACH region, aligning with broader business objectives and financial goals.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for a high-performing underwriting team.
• Take full ownership of the business portfolio, ensuring profitability, sustainable growth, and high quality.
• Steer portfolio performance by analyzing metrics, rate adequacy, claims trends, exposure accumulations, and market shifts.
• Cultivate and sustain senior-level relationships with cedants, brokers, and other key stakeholders throughout the DACH region.
• Oversee production and financial planning, including negotiation strategies.
• Create and uphold underwriting guidelines, referral processes, delegated authorities, and technical standards for the region.
• Guarantee adherence to internal governance, regulatory requirements, audit expectations, and documentation standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, mathematics, actuarial science, law, or a related field.
• Extensive underwriting experience within the reinsurance sector.
• Deep familiarity with the DACH market and property & casualty business.
• Proven track record of managing a profitable portfolio and leading complex treaty negotiations with insurers and brokers.
• Fluency in both German and English.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree is preferred.
• Additional regional language capabilities are considered an advantage.

What the company offers

• An international environment offering a broad scope of responsibilities.
• A collaborative structure that encourages partnership with colleagues across various global locations.

About the company

PartnerRe is a leading, privately owned, multi-line global reinsurer with a global nature and international mindset. The company fosters a culture where diversity is valued, and all employees feel welcome, respected, and empowered. Core values include integrity, performance, collaboration, straightforward communication, and respect and care.

• Integrity
• Performance
• Collaboration
• Straightforward Communication
• Respect and Care
• Diversity and inclusion