Change in the Executive Management: Donald Desax will retire and Martin Jara will take over as new CEO Switzerland
Donald Desax, Head of the Occupational Pensions Switzerland market area and member of the Executive Management of the Helvetia Group, will retire at his own request during the first half of 2020. His successor will be appointed during the next few months. The management structure will also be adjusted for the next strategy period. Martin Jara will join Helvetia as new CEO Switzerland in the first half of 2020.
17.12.2019 | Media releases
At his own request, Donald Desax, Head of the Occupational Pensions Switzerland market area and member of the Executive Management of the Helvetia Group, will retire during the first half of 2020. After completing his law degree, Donald Desax, 60, joined the former Patria Lebensversicherungs-Gesellschaft as corporate customer advisor for occupational benefits in 1986. From 1990 to 1995, he was the managing director of Servisa (now Swisscanto). He was appointed to the Executive Management of Helvetia Switzerland in 1996. Since then, Donald Desax has been in charge of the second pillar business, for the last three years as member of the Executive Management.
“Donald Desax positioned Helvetia as a leading provider of occupational benefits and always met new challenges with competence and far-sightedness,” says Philipp Gmür, CEO of the Helvetia Group. He continues: “He has made a decisive contribution to this industry for more than 30 years. I would like to warmly thank him for his successful contribution and wish him all the best for the next stage of his life.” The successor of Donald Desax will be appointed during the next few months.
Adjustment of management structure and new CEO Switzerland
The management structure of the Helvetia Group will be adjusted for the next strategy period. The operating Swiss units “Private Pensions”, “Occupational Pension Plans”, “Non-Life” and “Distribution” will be merged under a single Switzerland management team from 01.05.2020 and will no longer be represented in the Executive Management. The Executive Management Switzerland will in future be headed by Martin Jara, a newcomer to Helvetia who will sit on the Executive Management. Martin Jara is 47 and holds a doctorate in economics from the University of St. Gallen. As member of the executive management of Allianz Suisse, he is currently in charge of all distribution channels. “With his many years of operational and strategic experience in the Swiss insurance market, Martin Jara will be a strong asset for our management team,” says Philipp Gmür. He continues: “The adapted management structure will help us to powerfully and selectively develop our business in our home market. I look forward to working with Martin Jara and wish him every success in his new task.”
“Donald Desax positioned Helvetia as a leading provider of occupational benefits and always met new challenges with competence and far-sightedness,” says Philipp Gmür, CEO of the Helvetia Group. He continues: “He has made a decisive contribution to this industry for more than 30 years. I would like to warmly thank him for his successful contribution and wish him all the best for the next stage of his life.” The successor of Donald Desax will be appointed during the next few months.
Adjustment of management structure and new CEO Switzerland
The management structure of the Helvetia Group will be adjusted for the next strategy period. The operating Swiss units “Private Pensions”, “Occupational Pension Plans”, “Non-Life” and “Distribution” will be merged under a single Switzerland management team from 01.05.2020 and will no longer be represented in the Executive Management. The Executive Management Switzerland will in future be headed by Martin Jara, a newcomer to Helvetia who will sit on the Executive Management. Martin Jara is 47 and holds a doctorate in economics from the University of St. Gallen. As member of the executive management of Allianz Suisse, he is currently in charge of all distribution channels. “With his many years of operational and strategic experience in the Swiss insurance market, Martin Jara will be a strong asset for our management team,” says Philipp Gmür. He continues: “The adapted management structure will help us to powerfully and selectively develop our business in our home market. I look forward to working with Martin Jara and wish him every success in his new task.”
Contact information
Analysts
Susanne Tengler
Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +41 58 280 57 79
investor.relations@helvetia.ch
Susanne Tengler
Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +41 58 280 57 79
investor.relations@helvetia.ch
Media
Nadja Häberli
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications & PR
Phone: +41 58 280 50 33
media.relations@helvetia.ch
Nadja Häberli
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications & PR
Phone: +41 58 280 50 33
media.relations@helvetia.ch