Stefan Lippe — German insurance executive and board director (1955–2020)

Career highlights

Lippe’s tenure at Swiss Re coincided with a period when many insurers were adapting to volatile financial markets and renewed regulatory scrutiny. He led efforts to stabilize operations and to refocus parts of the business, and he remained active in the industry after leaving the CEO role. Outside Swiss Re he co-founded several companies and held senior positions in financial services and technology ventures.

Entrepreneurship and board roles

After stepping down as CEO, Lippe helped establish Acqupart Holding AG and Acqufin AG, serving as Vice Chairman of Acqupart’s board. He also co-founded a technology company, Paperless Inc., reflecting an interest in efficiency and digital solutions for paperwork-intensive sectors. In 2012 he joined the board of the insurer AXA and in 2013 became Chairman of AXA’s Audit Committee, contributing to governance and oversight.

Positions and responsibilities

• CEO, Swiss Re (2009–2012)
• Co-founder and Vice Chairman, Acqupart Holding AG
• Co-founder, Acqufin AG and Paperless Inc.
• Director and Audit Committee Chair, AXA (from 2012/2013)

Lippe was recognized within the reinsurance community for combining executive management with entrepreneurial initiatives. His subsequent roles emphasized corporate governance, risk oversight and the adoption of technology in financial services.

Stefan Lippe died on 24 April 2020 of complications related to COVID-19, aged 64. His career is often cited as an example of movement between large international insurers and smaller, innovation-focused enterprises, illustrating how industry leaders can influence both corporate strategy and emerging business models. For further context on his professional background see references to his work as an insurance manager and board member.