Munich Re Australasia MD Heinrich Eder will retire at the end of June, the German reinsurer has told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

His replacement will be announced in the next few months.

“[Mr Eder] is a passionate and energetic leader who has guided Munich Re in Australasia into today’s strong position, weathering economic turmoil and natural catastrophes over the past decade,” Asia-Pacific CEO Roland Eckl said.

After graduating in Economics from Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich in 1979, Mr Eder joined Munich Re. He started with various underwriting roles and worked his way into senior management roles.

Prior to joining Munich Re Australasia as GM Non-Life Division in 2003, he was president of Munich Re Japan for eight years.

Mr Eder was promoted to Australasia MD in November 2005, and is responsible for the group’s operations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.

He is on the board of the Insurance Council of Australia, and also the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.

“[Mr Eder’s] contribution has extended in the market well beyond Munich Re,” the reinsurer says. “His dedication to industry forums, committees, panels and discussion groups has been remarkable.

“He has been influential in steering community and industry-wide topics relating to risk management, sustainability, and Australia’s resilience in regard to natural hazards.”