Kaspar Zellweger
University degree: Master in International Affairs
Job: Vice President - Credit Underwriting Office
Swiss Re
How did you start your career?
Previously to joining Swiss Re I consulted a gas and energy trading company with a
strategic assessment of the political risk environment associated with infrastructural
investments in natural gas transport assets connecting Europe with its periphery.
Before that I worked in equipment
manufacturing as key account
manager responsible for sales and
marketing in selling teams of large
business-to-business industrial
equipment. With the same employer
I switched than to business
controlling supporting senior
management in strategic planning
and controlling.
“It was the degree I
gained at the Graduate
Institute combined with
the previous degree in
Economics that made me
attractive for Swiss Re.”
Why did you choose to study at the Graduate Institute?
Due to its outstanding reputation in international & trade economics as well as in
international relations. Best-in-class reputation in continental Europe. Very attractive
scholarship.
Why did you choose a career at Swiss Re?
Swiss Re with its business model as ultimate risk taker engaged in almost all
industries and countries truly sits at the intersection of business, economics, politics.
That was and still is very interesting place to be for somebody interested in political
risks and business.
In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at
Swiss Re?
Curiosity, flexibility, business acumen, superior skill set, superior people
management / interaction skills.
CP 136 - CH-1211 Genève 21 | +41 22 908 57 00 | graduateinstitute.ch
Did the Graduate Institute prepare you well?
Yes, but it is more the entirety of one's personal parcours that counts for a
successful career.
What advantage did the Institute give you from an intellectual point of view?
Thinking interdisciplinary.
How do you benefit from your position at Swiss Re?
It was the degree I gained at the Graduate Institute combined with the previous
degree in Economics that made me attractive for Swiss Re and myself prepared for
the challenges at Swiss Re.
CP 136 - CH-1211 Genève 21 | +41 22 908 57 00 | graduateinstitute.ch