Swiss Re promotes new chief people officer after Desquesses departs

Swiss Re has promoted Nicole Pieterse to the role of chief people officer, effective from January 2026.

She will be taking over from Cathy Desquesses, who will be stepping down for personal reasons.

Pieterse currently serves as Swiss Re’s head human resources for property and casualty reinsurance (P&C Re) which is a position she has held for nearly three years. 

Prior to joining Swiss Re as director of human resources in 2015, Pieterse served as director of human resources at Credit Suisse from 2011 and human resources manager for prime fund solutions at ABN Amro in Amsterdam for over two years. 

Jacques de Vaucleroy, chairman of the board of directors at Swiss Re, said: “The board welcomes Pieterse to the group executive committee as a distinguished and highly accomplished HR leader.

”The board of directors and I personally regret yet fully understand and support Desquesses’ decision to step down. We are grateful for four and a half years of outstanding collaboration during which she was instrumental in shaping Swiss Re’s path to renewed success.”

Departure

Desquesses took up the role as chief human resources officer and head of corporate services in June 2021 and served as a board member at Swiss Re since March 2022. 

Commenting on her departure on LinkedIn on 4 December 2025, Desquesses said: ”To all my colleagues and friends at GE, Sodexo and Swiss Re, a heartfelt thank you for your trust, your support, your challenges, and the joyful moments we shared.

”This is a difficult moment for me – perhaps the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make – but it is a necessary one.”

Andreas Berger, group chief executive at Swiss Re, added: “Desquesses has played a pivotal role in Swiss Re’s transformation.

”We are sorry to see her leave and wish her the very best as she takes time to focus on her health. I am pleased that with Pieterse we have appointed an excellent leader from within our own ranks. Together with my Group Executive colleagues I look forward to advancing Swiss Re’s strategic people agenda with her.”