Walter B. Kielholz

Chairman, non-executive
Born: 1951
Nationality: Swiss

Walter B. Kielholz was elected to the Board of Directors of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd in 1998 and to the Board of Directors of Swiss Re Ltd in connection with its formation in 2011. He was Vice Chairman from 2003 to April 2009 and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors since May 2009. He chairs the Chairman’s and Governance Committee.

Walter B. Kielholz – Chairman, non-executive (photo)

Professional experience

Walter B. Kielholz began his career at the General Reinsurance Corporation, Zurich, in 1976 where he held several positions in the US, UK and Italy before assuming responsibility for the company’s European marketing. In 1986, he joined Credit Suisse, where he was responsible for relationships with large insurance groups. He joined Swiss Re in 1989 where he became an Executive Board member in 1993 and was Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2002. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse Group Ltd from 1999 to 2014 and served as Chairman from 2003 to 2009.

External appointments

  • Vice Chairman of the Institute of International Finance
  • Member of the European Financial Services Round Table
  • Member of the Board of Trustees of Avenir Suisse
  • Chairman of the Zurich Art Society

Educational background

  • Business finance and accounting degree, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland