Munich Re announced on Thursday that Gavin Maistry will become the chief executive for Life and Health Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APAC MEA), succeeding Daniel Cossette, who will retire after 19 years with the group.
Maistry will take up the role in the second half of 2026, after the reinsurer appoints a successor for his current position as global chief actuary for Life and Health.
He has been with the reinsurer since 2008. Prior to his current role, he also served as Regional Chief Risk Officer and Deputy CEO, Life and Health, APAC MEA. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the reinsurance and insurance sectors.
In his new remit, Maistry will oversee about 600 professionals across 16 branches and representative offices, serving more than 600 clients in APAC and MEA. He will report to Mari-Lizette Malherbe, member of the Board of Management at Munich Re.
He will also provide strategic direction for four non-reinsurance divisions—MedNet, Munich Re Automation Solutions, Munich Re HealthTech and Munich Re Digital Solutions Beijing—which together employ about 1,100 people in 16 countries.
“Our markets in Asia, Australia, Middle East and Africa play a crucial role when it comes to delivering on Munich Re’s overall growth targets for the Life and Health reinsurance business,” said Malherbe. “With his vast experience, Gavin is highly qualified to drive our ambitions in the full spectrum of Life and Health reinsurance, including traditional and financial reinsurance, longevity solutions, and strategic transactions.”
Munich Re also paid deep tribute to the outgoing Cossette, who joined the company in 2007.
The reinsurer pointed to a number of notable achievements during his time with the business, including the establishment of the regional centre in Singapore, the launch of the Financially Motivated Reinsurance business, the expansion of the High Net Worth segment from Singapore, and the introduction of a business model combining reinsurance, digital solutions, and third-party administration services via MedNet in the Middle East.
He also oversaw Munich Re HealthTech and Munich Re Automation Solutions, and set up Munich Re Digital Solutions in Asia Pacific.
“With a keen eye on market sentiments, growth opportunities, technological developments and operational optimisation, Daniel propelled the business forward to meet the evolving needs of the dynamic and diverse markets in the region,” Malherbe said. “We are deeply appreciative of his dedication and leadership achievements, which will serve as an enduring source of inspiration.”
The move follows other recent leadership appointments across the reinsurer’s businesses, Damion Howlett as vice-president of customer success, APAC, at Munich Re Automation Solutions, and Kevin Rethual as chief executive of Munich Re Retakaful.
