The merger of Qualibroker and Swiss Risk & Care is finalized today with the implementation of a unique organizational and governance structure, designed to respect the specific characteristics of each territory and leverage the expertise of the two entities.
As announced when Bernard Pittet was appointed CEO of the Swiss group in June 2023, David Cochet and Urs Thalmann will act as Deputy Managing Directors alongside Bernard Pittet. Daniel Oberhänsli will be responsible for international relations. Jean-Maurice Cailler will chair the Board of Directors of the new Swiss group. The management of the Group at Swiss level will take the following form:
Bernard Pittet will oversee the business in French-speaking Switzerland.
Urs Thalmann will continue to lead the business in German-speaking Switzerland, Ticino and Liechtenstein. For the time being, the organization of this region will continue in its current form.
David Cochet will manage the Healthcare business and all Corporate Services (Communications, HR, IT, Legal and Finance).
The two entities in German and French-speaking Switzerland have similar operational structures, each with departments dedicated to insurance brokerage for key accounts and SMEs, as well as HR Solutions (services and consulting). This new organization will enable us to position ourselves effectively throughout Switzerland and facilitate synergies. It was officially launched on Monday, October 16. The legal merger will be finalized in the coming months.
The Swiss group employs 400 people in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and manages a portfolio of premiums totaling CHF 1.7 billion. This consolidates its position as the leading broker in French-speaking Switzerland and the second-largest national broker.
It will continue to pursue an ambitious development and growth strategy in the market and across all lines of insurance, combining it with HR services to provide a holistic offering to companies, a winning approach that has delivered results and one that now benefits from a stronger internal dynamic. This merger makes it possible for Qualibroker and Swiss Risk & Care to access new offerings and expertise and so leverage each other’s strengths.
Bernard Pittet said: "I am proud and delighted with this new organization which marks the completion of the merger between Qualibroker and Swiss Risk & Care, as requested by our parent company, Diot-Siaci Group, and the managing shareholders. This new Swiss insurance brokerage and human resources services group is resolutely client-oriented. Entrepreneurship, proximity and expertise are already values that unite us. I would like to thank our clients and partners for the trust they have placed in us over many years, as well as all the employees who contribute to the growth of our Group on a daily basis. Together, we have everything we need to build the future independent Swiss leader in insurance brokerage”.
The parent companies of Swiss Risk & Care and Qualibroker, respectively the SIACI SAINT HONORÉ Group and the Burrus Group, have created DIOT-SIACI, the first independent European insurance broker of international scope on 16 November 2021.
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