Why is General Reinsurance Seeing Leadership Changes?

Gen Re has announced the appointment of Nancy Roos to the Executive Board of General Reinsurance AG.

Effective 1 April 2026, Nancy transitions into the role following the retirement of Mike O’Dea. General Reinsurance AG serves as the German legal entity for the group and acts as the primary risk carrier for its extensive international business operations.

Nancy has served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of General Reinsurance AG since 2019 and will continue to hold this position alongside her new responsibilities on the Executive Board. 

Her career at Gen Re spans over two decades, having first joined the company’s General Accounting team in 2001. Since then, she has navigated various senior finance and leadership functions, becoming a central figure in the firm's financial governance.

A legacy of digital transformation

During her tenure, Nancy has been instrumental in modernising the reinsurer’s operational framework. As International Financial Controller and subsequently as CFO, she steered major corporate technology transformation programmes. 

These initiatives were designed to bolster the organisation’s financial systems and reporting capabilities, ensuring the risk carrier remained agile in an evolving marketplace.

Commenting on the appointment, Charlie Shamieh, Gen Re’s Chairman and Chair of the General Reinsurance AG’s Executive Board, says: “Since assuming the role of CFO of General Reinsurance AG, Nancy has led the international finance function through an increasingly complex reporting and regulatory environment. 

“I am confident that her deep institutional knowledge, strategic insight and proven leadership will ideally complement the Executive Board.”

Transition and leadership

The leadership change marks the end of a significant era for the Berkshire Hathaway-owned reinsurer. Mike O’Dea retires after a career defined by high-level oversight of the group’s global financial health. 

As the global Gen Re Group CFO and a long-standing member of the General Reinsurance AG Executive Board, Mike managed the transition through various shifts in global accounting standards.

Charlie adds: “On the occasion of his retirement, I’d also like to extend my deep appreciation to Mike O’Dea for his remarkable contributions over the course of his career, as our global Gen Re Group CFO and longstanding member of the General Reinsurance AG’s Executive Board. 

“He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in spearheading large-scale global initiatives, guiding the company through the implementation of major changes in accounting standards and systems that have strengthened Gen Re’s operational foundation.

“The company is profoundly grateful for his dedication and service and wishes him the very best in his retirement.”

Strengthening the international risk carrier

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family, Gen Re maintains a formidable position within the Life/Health and Property/Casualty reinsurance sectors. 

The company currently holds US$20bn in capital and reports US$14.8bn in net premiums written.

The elevation of Nancy to the Executive Board ensures continuity in the management of General Reinsurance AG’s capital and regulatory obligations. 

By retaining her CFO title, the entity maintains a streamlined leadership structure focused on technical precision and financial strength ratings.