Mike Kerner, a member of Munich Re’s Board Management, will be honored with City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic recognition—the 2026 Spirit of Life® Award—for his leadership within the insurance industry and his commitment to advancing lifesaving cancer research and compassionate, whole-person care.
City of Hope’s National Insurance Industry Council (NIIC) will present the Spirit of Life Award to Kerner at the Spirit of Life® Gala on September 29, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The Spirit of Life Award recognizes leaders whose professional achievements, philanthropy and community impact reflect a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.
A Leader Guided by Integrity and Purpose
Widely respected by peers, Mike Kerner is known throughout the insurance industry for integrity and purpose. As a member of Munich Re’s Board of Management, he leads Munich Re Specialty, the global specialty insurance business of Munich Re Group. Prior to joining Munich Re he served as Chief Executive Officer for the Global General Insurance Business of Zurich Insurance Group and has held several other executive leadership roles throughout his career.
“This recognition speaks to the respect Mike has earned across our industry,” said Lee Sjostrom, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at RSUI Group, Inc. “He is a natural choice to help lead this philanthropic campaign. City of Hope’s work aligns closely with the values our industry stands for, and I’m proud to see Mike helping bring the insurance community together in support of such a meaningful mission.”
Advancing Hope Through the Insurance Community
For more than four decades, City of Hope’s National Insurance Industry Council has brought together leaders from across the insurance sector to support the organization’s mission to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer. Through the Spirit of Life campaign, NIIC members help fuel groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and compassionate, patient-centered care.
“City of Hope is deeply grateful to partner with leaders like Mike Kerner, whose commitment extends beyond his profession to the lives of patients and families impacted by cancer,” said Joe Watterson, vice president of corporate philanthropy at City of Hope. “His leadership within the insurance industry and his support of City of Hope over the past several years is helping shine a light on the importance of continued investment in lifesaving cancer research, innovation and compassionate care.”
In addition to City of Hope, Mike is a dedicated supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a children’s cancer charity founded by insurance executives who believed the industry’s prosperity could—and should—be leveraged for good.
Mike is actively involved in supporting his alma mater, Binghamton University, by both being a Director of the Binghamton University Foundation and a co-Chair of the Harpur College Advocacy council. He and his wife, Karen, worked together on the most recent Binghamton University Campaign Committee helping to set a fund raising record in support of the University. He also contributes as a member of the Finance Council at his local parish.
“I am honored to receive the Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope,” said Mike. “At its core, the insurance industry exists to protect people and help communities through life’s most challenging moments. Those same values drive City of Hope’s mission, and I’m deeply proud to support their lifesaving work.”
The NIIC Spirit of Life Gala brings together industry leaders, partners and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership and raising critical funds that advance City of Hope’s integrated approach to research, treatment innovation and whole-person care. Proceeds from the 2026 campaign will help ensure more patients and families have access to the care and breakthroughs they need.
City of Hope looks forward to partnering with Mike Kerner and the insurance community throughout the year to drive awareness, inspire participation and make a lasting impact for patients and families touched by cancer.
For more information on sponsoring or donating to the 2026 Spirit of Life campaign, or to attend the gala on September 29, 2026, visit the 2026 NIIC Spirit of Life page.