Munich Re says it is sharpening the focus of its business divisions in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthening the mandate of local property and casualty underwriting teams.

Board of management member Achim Kassow says Munich Re has grown strongly and profitably in Asia-Pacific and Africa in recent years. 

“One building block of this success has been the transfer of know-how and decision-making authorities to the region,” he said. “We are now taking the next step in this process – Munich Re’s revised set-up in the region will be leaner at the top and closer to the markets.” 

Roland Eckl will be responsible for Australasia, Greater China, Middle East and Africa and for the cyber business in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. 

Hitesh Kotak will lead the property and casualty business in Japan, India, South Korea and southeast Asia. 

Mr Eckl has been chief executive responsible for Australasia, Japan, South Korea and southeast Asia since January. Previously, he was responsible for establishing the group’s regional centre for property and casualty business in Singapore in 2016. 

Australasia MD Scott Hawkins will continue to report to Mr Eckl, with no changes to the Australasia business, a spokesman says.