Swiss Re is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, with a purpose of making the world more resilient — and sustainability is central to how we deliver on that promise.

Are you an accomplished sustainability leader ready to translate strategy into action and make sustainability a source of business value and competitive advantage for a global organisation? Join us as the Head of our newly expanded Group Sustainability Office - a pivotal role at the heart of one of the world's leading risk knowledge organisations!

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead a Centre of Competence that will define the future of sustainability at Swiss Re. As Head of the Group Sustainability Office (GSO), you will provide strategic direction, establish common standards and governance, and ensure consistent execution of sustainability across the Group. You will own the Group's sustainability strategy end-to-end - from ESG underwriting methodologies and referrals to internal and external sustainability narratives - working at the highest levels of the organisation to drive meaningful, lasting impact. At its heart, this role is about making sustainability real — connecting our purpose and strategy with tangible business outcomes. You will translate sustainability expertise into practical insights that inform underwriting decisions, strengthen our client offering and help differentiate Swiss Re in the re/insurance industry.

Reporting to the Group Chief Underwriting Officer, you will lead a team of highly skilled and experienced sustainability professionals, shaping both the team's direction and the broader sustainability agenda across Swiss Re.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the Group sustainability strategy, ensuring alignment across all business units and functions, translating sustainability priorities into measurable business value, stronger client propositions and competitive differentiation
• Establish and own the sustainability governance framework, including KPIs, targets, performance management processes and regular executive reporting and briefings
• Define and refine sustainability-related underwriting methodologies, tools and ESG referral processes in close collaboration with underwriting and risk management stakeholders
• Drive consistency in sustainability execution across the Group by establishing common standards, guidelines and best practices
• Develop and own internal and external sustainability narratives
• Engage and influence a broad range of senior internal and external stakeholders including Group Executive Committee sponsors, regulators, investors, NGOs and industry bodies
• Represent Swiss Re at conferences, industry events and contribute to industry-wide projects
• Coordinate and prioritise a portfolio of new and ongoing sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall Group strategy
• Champion innovation in sustainability methodologies, data management and analytics, leveraging new technologies to support sustainable outcomes
• Build capability across the organisation by sharing subject matter expertise, leading workshops and seminars, and roundtables and publications
• Support and lead global projects and cross-functional initiatives, acting as a proactive sparring partner for business leaders and sustainability taskforces
• Lead, inspire and develop a team of highly skilled sustainability professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture while creating opportunities for growth and development

About the Team

Building on the existing Group Sustainability team, the new Group Sustainability Office (GSO) serves as Swiss Re's Centre of Competence for sustainability. The GSO provides strategic direction, establishes common standards and governance, and supports consistent execution across the business. With an expanded mandate, the team covers Group sustainability strategy, sustainability governance and performance management, internal and external sustainability narratives related to underwriting, as well as sustainability-related underwriting methodologies, tools and ESG referrals. This is a team that combines deep technical expertise with a strong collaborative spirit, working at the intersection of strategy, innovation and real-world impact.

About You

You are an experienced leader with strategic clarity and strong people leadership skills to inspire and influence across a global matrix organisation. You combine deep sustainability expertise with commercial acumen and a track record of translating that expertise into practical business solutions. You understand how sustainability can support better risk decisions, address client needs and create a distinctive market proposition. You understand the balance between pragmatic underwriting positions and sustainability goals, and help the organisation navigate the trade-offs through sound commercial judgement and practical guidance. You thrive in environments where collaboration, innovation and impact go hand in hand. You are equally comfortable engaging with a C-suite audience as you are rolling up your sleeves to drive execution.

We Are Looking for Candidates Who Meet These Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, risk management or a related field, ideally within financial services, insurance or reinsurance
• Proven experience leading and shaping sustainability strategy at a group or enterprise level, including governance design, performance management and stakeholder reporting
• Strong background in sustainability-related underwriting or risk assessment methodologies, with the ability to translate complex sustainability topics into actionable underwriting insights
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams in a global, matrixed organisation
• Excellent strategic thinking and execution capabilities, with a track record of driving complex, cross-functional sustainability initiatives from concept through to implementation

These Are Additional Nice to Haves:

• Experience working with or advising on ESG referral processes and sustainability integration in underwriting
• Familiarity with climate risk modelling, scenario analysis or nature-related financial disclosures (e.g., TNFD)
• A background in sustainability, environmental science, business, law or a related field; an advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CFA ESG, FSA Credential) would be a welcome addition
• Experience representing an organisation at industry events, conferences or regulatory consultations
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English, particularly German or French, given the Swiss and European context
• Strong affinity for data, technology and innovation in the sustainability space
• Experience in change management and embedding sustainability into organisational culture

For Switzerland, the base salary range for this position is between CHF 170 000 and CHF 254 000 for a full-time role.

The specific salary offered considers:

• the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role
• the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialisation, skills and experience

In addition to your base salary, Swiss Re offers an attractive performance-based variable compensation component, designed to recognise your achievements. Furthermore, you will enjoy a variety of global and location specific benefits. Eligibility may vary depending on the terms of Swiss Re policies and your employment contract.

Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.