Munich Re has appointed Paolo Ghirri as Chief Executive Officer of Munich Re Italia, effective January 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his more than 35-year career with the organization. The appointment reflects Munich Re’s continued focus on leadership continuity and deep market expertise in one of its most important European markets.
Ghirri has spent over three decades at Munich Re Italia, building a career characterized by progressive responsibility and sustained contribution to the company’s growth. His professional journey includes senior leadership roles within the organization as well as experience outside the company, providing a broad perspective on the insurance and reinsurance markets.
Italy remains a key market for Munich Re in Europe, with the Milan-based team delivering reinsurance solutions supported by strong local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Italian insurance landscape. The company emphasized the importance of continued innovation, technical excellence, and customer focus in the region.
Thomas Wilde, outgoing CEO of Munich Re Italia, reflected on the leadership transition, saying, “Looking back with pride on my five years at the helm of Munich Re Italia, I would like to thank the team in Milan and our customers and partners for their collaboration and support. It has been an intense and fruitful journey.
“There could be no one more suited than Paolo Ghirri to take up the baton: his experience, in-depth knowledge of the market and strategic vision make him the ideal leader to accompany the growth of MRI.”
As part of the leadership structure, Roberta Urban will assume the role of Deputy CEO and Client Manager Executive effective February 1, 2026. Urban is currently based in London as Head of Strategy & Development for Europe at Munich Re Specialty, Global Markets.
Munich Re noted that Ghirri and Urban share a long-standing professional relationship spanning more than twenty years, built on a shared vision and close collaboration during their time working together in Milan.
Commenting on his appointment, Ghirri said, “It is a privilege for me to lead the company where I grew professionally and to which I have dedicated many years of my career.
“I would like to thank Thomas Wilde for his vision and leadership, which have strengthened the Munich Re Group’s presence in Italy.
“Together with the teams in Milan and Munich, we will continue to promote innovation and customer focus and consolidate our technical leadership in the Italian market.”
