The Geneva Association joins the global insurance community in mourning the passing of Denis Kessler, Chairman of SCOR and longtime Geneva Association board member.
Denis Kessler had been a Geneva Association leader since the organisation’s early years, having served as Deputy Secretary General. He was a member of The Geneva Association’s board of directors during his entire tenure at SCOR, from 2002–2023, as well as a co-sponsor of the organisation’s climate change research work stream.
Christian Mumenthaler, Chairman of The Geneva Association and Group CEO of Swiss Re, said: "It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Denis Kessler today. We have lost not only an industry and thought leader, but also a man of great human qualities, a close colleague and a friend. Denis was the longest-standing member – more than 20 years – and Board member, of The Geneva Association, to which he was extremely committed. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family, his colleagues at SCOR, and all those who miss him as we do.”
Jad Ariss, Managing Director of The Geneva Association, commented: “Today we lost an insurance legend. Denis was a force like no other in our industry and in our organisation. He lived and breathed a passion for insurance and the belief in its power to do good in the world. His contributions to The Geneva Association are countless, from driving the original vision for the organisation to setting the high standards for excellence that have defined who we are. Denis was among the first to mobilise the insurance industry to act on climate change, and his impact will be long-lasting. It is up to us to ensure that his legacy lives on.”
