19 Facts About Walter Kielholz

Walter Bruno Kielholz was born on 25 February 1951 and was chairman of the board of directors and former CEO of Swiss Re.

Walter Kielholz was Swiss Re's Chairman from 2009 to 2021.

Walter Kielholz has been Honorary Chairman of Swiss Re since April 2021.

Walter Kielholz studied business administration at the University of St Gallen, and graduated in 1976 with a degree in business finance and accounting.

Walter Kielholz began his career at the General Reinsurance Corporation, Zurich in 1976.

Walter Kielholz joined Credit Suisse in 1986, where he was responsible for client relations with large insurance groups in the multinational services department.

Walter Kielholz became a member of the executive board in January 1993 and was Swiss Re's chief executive officer from 1997 to 2002, succeeding Lukas Muhlemann.

Walter Kielholz was executive vice chairman of the board of directors from 2003 to 2006 and vice chairman from 2007 to April 2009.

Walter Kielholz was nominated chairman with effect from 1 May 2009.

Walter Kielholz's appointment was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting on 16 April 2021.

Walter Kielholz was a member of the board of directors of Credit Suisse Group AG from 1999 to May 2014.

Walter Kielholz was chairman of the bank's board of directors from 2003 to 2009.

Until mid-2015, Walter Kielholz was chairman of the European Financial Services Roundtable, which contributes to the European public policy debate on issues relating to financial services.

Walter Kielholz was a member of the International Monetary Conference, an association of the largest banks worldwide, and vice chairman of the board of the Institute of International Finance, the world's only global association of financial institutions.

Walter Kielholz chaired the board of trustees of the Swiss Re Foundation, established in 2012, from the creation of the Foundation until his retirement as Swiss Re Chairman in 2021.

In 2005, Walter Kielholz was elected by the members of the International Insurance Society to the Insurance Hall of Fame, which honours individuals who have exercised substantial influence on the industry for the benefit of society.

Walter Kielholz is a co-founder of the International St Gallen Symposium at University of St Gallen and is a member of the board of trustees of the St Gallen Foundation.

Walter Kielholz enjoys sailing, skiing, tennis, golf, reading, opera, concerts and art.

Walter Kielholz has been a strong supporter of art as an element of corporate culture as expressed through Swiss Re's Art collection which is featured in Swiss Re buildings across the world and includes over 4'000 pieces of modern art.