Reduced schedule for Baloise CEO Gert De Winter

Media releases

Basel, January 6, 2022. Following a cancer diagnosis, Baloise Group CEO Gert De Winter will be stepping back from his frontline duties, probably until into the summer of 2022, so that he can focus on his treatment. He will continue to oversee strategic matters, in particular the launch of Season 2 of the Simply Safe strategy. Baloise Switzerland CEO Michael Müller will take over the day-to-day running of the business.

Group CEO Gert De Winter is giving notice today that a tumour has been discovered in his oesophagus that requires medical treatment. The prognosis for recovery from the pre- and post-operative treatments and surgery is good. Gert De Winter will be working to a reduced schedule, probably until into the summer this year, because of the hospital stay and the time that will be required for treatment and rehabilitation. However, he will continue to have oversight of strategic matters. Baloise Switzerland CEO Michael Müller will take over the day-to-day running of the business in addition to his existing role. This will ensure continuity of ongoing projects, in particular the transition to the new strategic phase ‘Simply Safe: Season 2’.
“We are optimistic that Gert will be able to return to a full-time schedule later in the year. The entire Baloise family wishes him a full recovery and an abundance of strength for the treatment ahead,” says Chairman of the Board of Directors Thomas von Planta.

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About Baloise

The focus is firmly on the future at Baloise. We aim to make tomorrow more straightforward, safer and more carefree for our customers, and we are taking responsibility for this today. Baloise is more than just a traditional insurance company. Through our smart finance and insurance solutions, we offer a complete service package. Dependable support, reliable cooperation and trust-based relationships are key aspects of our stakeholder interaction. We take care of financial matters so that our customers can concentrate on the important things in their lives and can find inspiration in the everyday. Baloise, a European company founded more than 160 years ago, currently employs 8,000 people at its headquarters in Basel (Switzerland) and across its subsidiaries in Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Our services generated a business volume of around CHF 8.6 billion in 2023. Baloise Holding Ltd shares (BALN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.