PartnerRe appoints Jacques Bonneau to CEO role, as Clarke departs

PartnerRe, the Bermuda headquartered and EXOR owned reinsurance company, has appointed a new President and CEO in industry veteran Jacques Bonneau, who was most recently Group Chief Underwriting Officer at Chubb.

Current CEO of PartnerRe Emmanuel Clarke is set to leave the reinsurance firm by mutual agreement in order to pursue other opportunities.

Bonneau was already a member of the PartnerRe Board of Directors, having been appointed to it in February 2019.

He has served on the PartnerRe Board Audit Committee and also as the Chairman of its Underwriting and Risk Committee.

Bonneau will be based at the PartnerRe headquarters in Bermuda.

During his career he became the CEO of Ace/Chubb Tempest Re Group and also the Group Chief Underwriting Officer of Chubb Ltd.

Bonneau’s career began at General Reinsurance Corporation in Casualty Facultative operations in 1981. He has also held roles at Trenwick America Group and Chartwell Re Corporation.

Brian Dowd, independent Chairman of the PartnerRe Board of Directors, commented on the appointment, “We’re delighted that Jacques is assuming the role of CEO of PartnerRe. He brings over 40 years of experience in our industry, a strong track record in reinsurance underwriting and deep knowledge of our clients and brokers. He also has detailed knowledge and insight of PartnerRe’s people and business gained over the past two years as a valued colleague on our Board.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Emmanuel for his achievements over the past 4 years as President and CEO. Under his leadership, PartnerRe has been able to smoothly transition under EXOR ownership and the Company’s business and strategic positioning have been strengthened in important ways. Emmanuel has been a very dedicated and strong leader and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Bonneau added, “PartnerRe’s deep technical expertise, strong and diversified Non-Life portfolio and its high caliber people mean we’re very well placed to benefit from a tightening insurance and reinsurance marketplace across many lines. Our Life and Health operations are growing well and profitably, and we’re committed to continuing our investments in this platform. With our solid balance sheet and the strength of our relationships with brokers and clients, I’m truly excited about the great opportunities we have in front of us and at the prospect of building an even stronger PartnerRe.”

Clarke said, “I am proud of what we have achieved together with all our colleagues, in substantially advancing the Company’s strategic goals. With the progress we’ve made with our Non-Life portfolio and franchise, in building our Life & Health platform, and in strengthening the organization and its talent base, I am confident PartnerRe is very well positioned for future success.”