VIG Re, one of Europe’s leading reinsurers, has strengthened its client-facing senior leadership team with two key appointments, effective 1 February 2026, as it accelerates its strategic growth under the VIGRe28 programme.

Marc Haushofer has been appointed Managing Director APAC in a newly created role, while Joachim Mathe joins the company as Head of Special Markets. The appointments reflect VIG Re’s ambition to expand its footprint in Asia, diversify its business beyond traditional non-life treaty markets, and deepen client relationships across emerging and complex risk segments.

Driving pan-Asian expansion

As Managing Director APAC, Haushofer will oversee VIG Re’s existing business in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while also spearheading the reinsurer’s broader pan-Asian expansion. His appointment is closely linked to VIG Re’s evolving client service model under VIGRe28, which aims to enhance market proximity and strengthen regional expertise through dedicated Client/Market Units.

VIG Re plans to reinforce its presence in Asia through the establishment of a new office in Singapore, subject to regulatory approvals from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Czech National Bank and other authorities.

“Marc’s appointment reflects our commitment to strategic expansion and client value. In this new era of client-centric development, his distinguished experience across the Asian markets will be pivotal as we further expand into the region with a long-term and partnership-oriented focus”, Tobias Sonndorfer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VIG Re stated.

Haushofer joined VIG Re in May 2025 as Executive Director of International Business Development. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific at RenaissanceRe and spent nearly 16 years at Validus Re, most recently as EVP & CEO of Asia Pacific, where he established and led the Singapore branch. From 2017 until the end of 2024, he also chaired the Singapore Reinsurers’ Association.

“This new role comes at exactly the right time, both for me personally and for VIG Re’s ambitions in Asia. The region offers exceptional opportunities for meaningful, partnership-led growth. I am excited to help shape VIG Re’s next chapter in the region – strengthening our established markets and opening new ones through a disciplined, client-centric approach.”

Launch of Special Markets Unit

Alongside its regional expansion, VIG Re has created a Special Markets Unit designed to consolidate specialised reinsurance activities and accelerate growth in complex and emerging risk areas. The unit brings together Facultative Re, International NatCat and Life Re under a single structure, enabling the company to combine global expertise with a client-focused approach.

“The creation of the Special Markets Unit is a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Joachim’s proven leadership in business development and clear vision will ensure VIG Re further broadens its role as a trusted partner for clients navigating an increasingly complex risk landscape.”

Mathe brings more than 20 years of experience from Munich Re, where he held senior leadership roles including Managing Director, Global Head of Insurance Consulting and CEO of Munich Re Spain.

“I am excited to join VIG Re at this defining moment and to contribute to VIG Re’s growth strategy across new and growing segments. Shaping the Special Markets Unit provides a unique opportunity to combine client focus, expertise, and a growth mindset to build sustainable business opportunities and long-term partnerships. I look forward to working closely with colleagues and clients to shape what lies ahead together.”

Strategic significance

The appointments underline VIG Re’s shift toward a more client-centric operating model and its ambition to build a stronger presence in Asia while expanding into specialised reinsurance markets. Together, the leadership changes and organisational restructuring signal a broader push to position VIG Re for long-term growth amid evolving risk landscapes and intensifying competition in global reinsurance markets.