NIIC 2026 Spirit of Life Campaign

Honoring Michael Kerner
Member of the Board of Management at Munich Re Group

Michael Kerner was born in 1965 in Syosset, New York, USA.

He studied mathematics and economics at the State University of New York at Binghamton, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986.

Mr. Kerner began his career in 1986, working as an actuary in New York, initially at the Insurance Services Office and afterwards at Continental Insurance Company. In 1992, he switched to Zurich American Insurance Company, where he worked in various divisions and for the entire Zurich Insurance Group – several years thereof in Zurich – including as Global Head of Group Reinsurance, Global General Insurance Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Group Strategy. In 2009, Mr. Kerner continued his career as Chief Executive Officer for the North American Global Corporate Business, before assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Global General Insurance Business of Zurich Insurance Group and as a Member of the Group Executive Committee in 2012.

In April 2016, Mr. Kerner moved to Everest Reinsurance Company in New Jersey, where he served as Executive Vice President for Risk Management and Strategy until December 2018. He then joined Munich Re as President and CEO of Munich Re Specialty Insurance. With effect from 1 January 2023, Mr. Kerner has been appointed a member of the Board of Management at Munich Re Group, with responsibility for Munich Re Specialty, the global specialty insurance business of Munich Re.