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Sustainable Placements in the Insurance Market – Targeted Executive Search for C-Level, Board of Directors & Executive Committee

Summary

Insurance companies operate at the intersection of regulation, digitalization, and rising customer expectations. Wirz & Partners supports insurers in filling leadership positions with individuals who combine operational excellence, transformation capability, and cultural fit – from CEOs to department heads.

 

Why Clients Choose Wirz & Partners


Our executive search consultancy combines deep understanding of regulated markets with a tailored search approach. We identify leaders who think strategically, drive change, and position organizations for long-term success in a complex environment.

 

⬇️ Read on to discover which leadership requirements are key to success in today’s insurance market.

The Swiss insurance market, renowned for its stability and high margins, is facing significant transformations due to rising customer expectations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. These developments challenge insurance companies and require specialized leadership to ensure strategic growth and maintain competitiveness. As a leading executive search firm for the insurance industry, Wirz & Partners supports Swiss insurers in filling key positions on the board, C-level, and ExCo.

 

Key Trends and Leadership Requirements in the Swiss Insurance Market

 

Changing Customer Expectations – Chief Customer Officer (CCO) and Chief Innovation Officer (CINO)

Swiss consumers are increasingly demanding personalized, flexible products—especially in health and life insurance. Insurers are developing customizable policies focused on wellness and prevention, which introduces new challenges for profitability due to rising healthcare costs and capped premiums.

 

Leadership Need: Insurers should establish a Chief Customer Officer (CCO) on the board and ExCo to drive customer-centric innovation and develop customer engagement strategies. Additionally, a Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) with expertise in data analytics and product development is essential for creating solutions that meet market expectations while maintaining profitability.

 

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation – Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Data Officer (CDO)

 

According to the latest Insurance Tech Trends 2025  report by Deloitte, the insurance industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by AI, data analytics, and automation. These technologies are not only reshaping business models but also redefining the leadership qualities required. Yet, many companies are still lagging behind their Central European competitors.

 

Leadership Need: Appointing a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)  is crucial to drive digital innovation and implement modern technologies. A Chief Data Officer (CDO)  with expertise in data security and AI governance is also essential to enable data-driven decision-making and ensure privacy compliance.

 

Sustainability and Climate Risks – Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Climate-related risks are increasing, requiring a reevaluation of risk assessment and sustainability practices. Customers and regulators are pushing for ESG-compliant solutions and climate-resilient products.

 

Leadership Need: A Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) on the board and ExCo are essential to integrate ESG principles, develop climate-resilient products, and ensure sustainable risk management.

 

Convergence and Partnerships – Head of Partnerships and Ecosystem Integration

Swiss insurers are increasingly partnering with technology companies to offer integrated solutions that meet broader customer needs. Collaborations with health-tech and other industries expand service offerings and enhance customer engagement.

 

Leadership Need: A Head of Partnerships and Ecosystem Integration is critical to build strategic alliances that foster innovation and profitability while differentiating the insurance firm in the market.

 

An Overview of the Diversity of the Swiss Insurance Market

 

The Swiss insurance market is characterized by an exceptional diversity of providers, business models, and areas of specialization. For a tailored Executive Search approach, a deep understanding of these market segments is essential. Wirz & Partners supports clients across all relevant areas – ranging from traditional primary insurers and reinsurers to embedded insurance providers, health insurers, and social insurance institutions.

The following overview highlights the key market segments and the most important players within the Swiss insurance landscape.

Primary insurers are the direct providers of insurance products for private and corporate clients. They shape the development of the core business lines, including property and casualty insurance, life insurance, and health insurance.

 

Leading primary insurers in Switzerland include:

 

AXA, Zurich, die Mobiliar, Helvetia, Baloise, Swiss Life.

 

Typical key roles:

  • CEO, CFO, COO

  • Head of Underwriting

  • Head of Claims

  • Chief Distribution Officer

  • Chief Transformation Officer



Current challenges: digitalization, new distribution channels, regulatory requirements, and sustainability. We support primary insurers in identifying and appointing the right executive leaders for these challenges through targeted Executive Search.

Reinsurers assume risks from primary insurers and safeguard their stability. They play a central role in global risk distribution and in protecting against major loss events.

 

Leading reinsurers with a strong presence in Switzerland include:
Swiss Re, NewRe, PartnerRe, SCOR Switzerland.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Risk and actuarial experts

  • Head of Reinsurance

  • Chief Risk Officer

  • Pricing specialists

  • Experts in natural catastrophe and specialty risks

 


Current challenges: climate risks, regulatory requirements, data-driven pricing models, and capital management. Executive Search plays a key role in securing the specialized leadership and expert talent required to address these challenges successfully.

Property and casualty insurers cover risks in areas such as motor vehicle, household, property, liability, and commercial insurance, shaping the Swiss non-life insurance market.

 

Major providers include:
AXA, die Mobiliar, Zurich, Allianz Suisse, Helvetia, Baloise, Vaudoise, Generali.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Head of Claims

  • Head of Pricing

  • Head of Non-Life Product Management



Current challenges: digitalization of claims processes, data-driven pricing, and increasing natural hazards. Executive Search is essential in identifying leaders who can successfully navigate these developments.

The largest life insurance company in Switzerland is Swiss Life, with a market share of approximately 41% and clear industry leadership.

 

This is followed by:
Helvetia Life, Baloise Life, AXA Life, Zurich Life.

 

These providers cover the majority of the market, particularly in the group insurance and occupational pension (BVG) segments.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Head of Pension and Retirement Products

  • Chief Investment Officer

  • Head of Life Insurance Sales



Current challenges: the interest rate environment, regulatory requirements, and the digitalization of pension and retirement processes. Executive Search supports life insurers in securing leadership talent capable of managing these complex dynamics.

Embedded insurance integrates insurance products directly into the customer journey of platforms such as e-commerce, mobility, or travel. Internationally, insurtechs such as Cover Genius, Qover, and bolttech are driving this development. In Switzerland, the market is still at an early stage: established insurers such as AXA, Zurich, and Swiss Life are primarily testing embedded insurance models in cooperation with insurtechs and embedded finance platforms.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Partnering and ecosystem experts

  • Digital Product Owner

  • Head of Embedded Solutions



Current challenges: building scalable API solutions, establishing partnerships with platforms, and ensuring regulatory integration. Executive Search plays a critical role in identifying leaders who can successfully bridge technology, partnerships, and regulation.

The largest health insurers in Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance system (KVG) are:
Helsana, CSS, Concordia, Visana, SWICA, Assura, Sanitas, KPT.

 

Helsana leads the market with approximately 1.5–1.9 million insured individuals, followed by CSS. Concordia and Visana are experiencing strong growth, while SWICA, Assura, Sanitas, and KPT are solid mid-sized providers.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Head of Benefits and Tariffs

  • Chief Medical Officer

  • Head of Digital Health

  • Head of Customer Service / Contact Center

 

Current challenges: cost management, digitalization in healthcare, and regulatory adjustments. Executive Search supports health insurers in identifying leaders capable of balancing efficiency, quality of care, and compliance.

The Swiss social insurance system covers key life risks and is supported by public, semi-public, and private institutions.

 

Key areas and stakeholders:

 

Old-Age, Survivors’ and Disability Insurance & Occupational Pensions (AHV/IV & BVG):
Income security provided through AHV/IV/EO and pension funds. Key stakeholders include institutions such as SVA Zurich, Compenswiss, and major pension providers like Swiss Life.

 

Health and Accident Insurance (KVG/UVG):
Mandatory health insurance is provided by leading health insurers (e.g. Helsana, CSS, Concordia). Accident insurance is administered by SUVA as well as private providers such as Zurich, AXA, Baloise, and Allianz Suisse.

 

Unemployment Insurance (ALV):
Administered through public unemployment offices (RAV) and industry-related funds such as UNIA or SYNA.

 

Family Allowances (FamZG):
Organized through cantonal and industry-specific family compensation funds.

 

Voluntary Pension Schemes and Supplementary Coverage (Pillar 3a/3b):
Additional protection offered by providers such as Swiss Life, Zurich, AXA, Helvetia, Baloise, and die Mobiliar.

 

Typical key roles:

  • Executive management of social insurance institutions

  • Head of Benefits Administration

  • Compliance and governance experts

  • Specialists in premiums, tariffs, and regulation

 

Current challenges: cost management, process digitalization, and complex regulatory adjustments. Executive Search supports social insurance organizations in identifying leaders and specialists capable of navigating this highly regulated environment.

Regulatory Environment and Compliance – General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer 

Insurance companies are increasingly under pressure not only to operate in compliance with regulations, but also to demonstrate their social responsibility transparently – for example, through sustainable investments, ESG-compliant products, diversity initiatives, or adherence to climate targets in line with regulatory requirements. At the same time, new supervisory standards and technological transformation demand a closer integration of technical expertise and strategic leadership.

Especially at the C-level, board, and executive committee levels, today’s insurance sector requires leaders who can navigate regulatory complexity and translate it into future-oriented, sustainable corporate governance.

 

Leadership Need: A General Counsel (GC) or Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is vital for navigating compliance in the areas of data protection, regulation, and governance.

 

 

Key Players and Competitive Dynamics – Leadership for Strategic Differentiation

 

The Swiss insurance market is highly competitive. Leading players like Zurich Insurance Group differentiate through innovation and customer-centric solutions. Strategic leadership on C-level is needed to stand out in the market and build sustainable customer relationships.

 

Leadership Need: CEOs ,COOs, and product-focused leaders with a proven track record in differentiation and innovation are essential for gaining a competitive edge.

 

Strategic Imperatives and the Talent Challenge for Swiss Insurers

 

To tackle future complexities, insurers need visionary leaders with expertise in digital transformation, ESG, customer-centric innovation, and compliance.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In this dynamic environment, recruiting specialized leaders at the C-level, board, and ExCo is crucial to ensuring resilience and growth. Wirz & Partners is uniquely positioned as a leading executive search firm for the insurance industry in Switzerland and Europe, helping insurers find the right leaders to address complex challenges and secure future success. We identify and place the best talent to drive sustainable transformation and strategic market leadership in the Swiss insurance market.

 

 

Ready to Fill Your Next Key Role with the Ideal Candidate?

 

Whether it's a CEO, CFO, or Head of Risk – we find the right leaders to shape your future in the insurance market.

Get in touch with us now and let’s talk about your hiring needs.

 

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