Singapore has named former Swiss Re chairman Walter B. Kielholz as an honorary citizen for his contributions to the city-state’s insurance industry.
Ex-chair and current honorary chair of Swiss Re Walter B. Kielholz has received the 2020 Singapore Honorary Citizen Award, according to a statement, with the title granted for life.
«My colleagues and I have benefitted from [Kielholz'] keen insights and wise counsel, not just on issues relating to the insurance industry but also broader strategies to strengthen Singapore as a leading global financial center,» said MAS managing director Ravi Menon. «He has been a trusted friend and partner to Singapore, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him on being recognized as an Honorary Citizen.»
Since 1976
According to Kielholz, he visited Singapore for the first time nearly half a century ago in 1976 before joining Swiss Re in 1989. He was Swiss Re's chairman of the board of directors from 2009 to 2021 and under his leadership, the insurer formed Swiss Re Asia in 2018 and established its regional headquarter in Singapore.
In addition, Kielholz was also a member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) international advisory panel from 2009 to 2021 to support the city-state’s financial sector strategy and reform.
«I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this evolution and I thank Singapore for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the insurance and risk financing landscape here,» Kielholz said.
