Chris Behling has been appointed Hub Head Life & Health Products for the Americas, with immediate effect, and he will continue in his role as Chief Underwriter. Chris succeeds Jeff Katz, who retired on September 30, 2020, after 38 years of service in the industry and nearly 10 years with Swiss Re.
Chris joined Swiss Re three years ago and brings over 20 years of experience in the U.S. life and health insurance industry, working with several firms including Princeton Consultants, Hooper Holmes, and AXA/Equitable. Chris has worked for both carriers and distributors and served in a variety of roles including product development, operations, sales and underwriting.
As Hub Head and Chief Underwriter, Life & Health Americas, Chris will be responsible for costing, underwriting, and ownership over the mortality portfolio in the Americas. In addition, he will join Swiss Re’s Life & Health Products Executive Team and Americas Management Team.
Chris has a proven track record of innovation and execution and relentless client focus. He’s been a passionate leader in the quest to close the mortality protection gap and an active voice in helping insurers adapt, transform and make better use of tools, processes and data to create a more seamless, customer-friendly journey.
Prior to his appointment as Hub Head, Chris was Chief Underwriter, Life & Health Americas. Under his leadership, the U.S. underwriting team was ranked #1 by underwriters for overall underwriting management in NMG Consulting’s 2020 Life & Health Reinsurance study.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.
