Zurich-based Swiss Reinsurance has named David Cole as its chief risk offer, effective Nov. 1. He will replace Raj Singh, who will be departing the company on Feb. 28, 20011, for personal reasons, the reinsurer announced.

Cole has advanced through the ranks of ABN AMRO since 1999, gaining deep financial sector experience across a range of functions and markets. In January 2006, Cole was appointed head of group risk management for ABN AMRO Bank, and subsequently CFO and CRO in 2008.

In addition, Chief Operating Officer Agostino Galvagni has been appointed to the newly created global position of CEO of corporate solutions—the new name for all of Swiss Re’s insurance-related offerings, such as large industrial risks. He remains a member of the executive committee. Replacing Galvagni as COO is Thomas Wellauer, formerly head of corporate affairs at Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis International A.G.. In this role, he will oversee such operational functions as HR, IT, Legal, Communications and Logistics. He also will become a member of the executive committee.

Other personnel changes at Swiss Re include:

Christian Mumenthaler, currently head of the Life & Health Division, has been appointed chief marketing officer, effective Jan. 1, 2011. He will remain on the executive committee.

David Blumer, currently chief investment officer and a member of the executive committee, has assumed the additional responsibility for Admin Re, effective as of Oct. 1.

Michel Liès, currently chief marketing officer and member of the executive committee, will additionally assume a newly created position as chairman of global partnerships, effective Jan. 1, 2011. In his new role, Liès will establish a network of client market advisers within Swiss Re to strengthen relationships in the public sector, government and NGO areas, and also will accelerate the company's growth strategy in emerging markets. He formally be stepping down from the executive committee on Dec. 31.