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Key people at Gen Re.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Gen Re is a global reinsurer based in Stamford, Connecticut, providing property, casualty, life, and health reinsurance solutions to primary insurers worldwide. The firm operates primarily as a direct reinsurer, generating revenue through net premiums written on tailored reinsurance contracts across a global network of over 40 offices in 22 countries. Supported by approximately 2,150 employees, the company recently reported $14.8 billion in net premiums written alongside $20 billion in total capital reserves. The organization encompasses several international entities, including General Reinsurance AG and its historic predecessor Cologne Re, while currently maintaining an aa+ financial strength rating from AM Best. The enterprise traces its European roots back to 1846 as the first reinsurance company in the world, while its United States operations were officially founded in 1921.
Key people at Gen Re.
General Reinsurance Corporation (Gen Re) is a global reinsurer specializing in property/casualty, life, and health reinsurance solutions, providing tailored risk transfer and management services to insurers worldwide.[1][2][3] As a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1998, it reported $14.5 billion in net premiums written and $19.2 billion in capital in 2023, backed by superior financial strength ratings including A++ from A.M. Best, AA+ from S&P, and Aa1 from Moody's.[1][2][4][5] Gen Re supports clients across major risk areas like property, casualty, auto, specialty lines (e.g., cyber), mortality, and longevity, while offering consulting, claims expertise, and actuarial tools to optimize reinsurance programs.[1][3]
Gen Re traces its roots to 1921, when it was founded in the United States as the General Casualty and Surety Reinsurance Corporation, initially taking over the U.S. business of the Norwegian Globe Insurance Company.[1][2] In 1923, American investors acquired it and renamed it General Reinsurance Corporation, establishing a focus on underwriting quality and expanding into North America with branch offices.[1][2] The company grew internationally in the 1950s–1970s, made acquisitions, formed holding company General Re Corporation in 1980 (listed on NYSE as GRN), and relocated headquarters from New York to Stamford, Connecticut by 1984.[2] A pivotal moment came in 1998 with its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway, integrating it into a powerhouse insurance portfolio; in 2003, it unified globally under the Gen Re brand with Cologne Re.[1][2] In 2021, it celebrated 100 years while its heritage partner Cologne Re marked 175.[1]
Gen Re plays a critical role in the insurance ecosystem by reinsuring emerging tech-driven risks like cyber threats and enabling insurers to handle large-scale, data-intensive exposures from disasters, autos, and longevity shifts amid climate change and digital transformation.[1][3] Its timing aligns with rising demand for sophisticated risk management in a volatile world—global marine disasters, vehicle autonomy, and AI-enhanced cyber vulnerabilities—where reinsurers like Gen Re provide stability and insights to primary insurers.[1] Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, it influences the sector through thought leadership (e.g., surveys, tools) and events like the ACLI Reinsurers Executive Roundtable, helping shape "insurance of tomorrow" via machine learning and strategic support.[3][6]
Gen Re's trajectory points to sustained leadership in reinsurance, capitalizing on tech integrations like AI analytics for risk modeling and cyber specialties amid escalating global threats.[3] Trends such as climate resilience, longevity products for aging populations, and cyber proliferation will drive growth, with recent A.M. Best affirmations (November 2025) underscoring its edge.[5][6] As a Berkshire stalwart, its influence may expand through deeper tech partnerships and global expansion, solidifying practical protection in an uncertain landscape—echoing its century-old promise of quality reinsurance that truly works.[1][2]
