Swiss/German centered culture - Career path only for caucasian men - Vice President in Underwriting Swiss Re Employee Review

3.0
21 Mar 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good fringe benefits. If a good regular pay check is all you need to be happy - then this is the place for you!

Cons

If you are looking for personal growth and meaningful career progress & recognition - then this is the wrong company. Reasons: 1. Zurich central/Heavy politics: This is a very Zurich-centered company. Everything is steered by the Swiss and some Germans in the top management. Heavy politics and lots and lots of opportunists. Most people are just happy with their high pay-check and just shut up. 2. Career limits: Female leaders are almost non-existent in the top management, and if there is any - it is only caucasians. It is difficult to climb up above director level unless you are Swiss/German. They are talking about Diversity for over 10 yrs and still no progress. Most of the employees are middle aged white men. 3. Bonus distribution & annual rating can be unfair, as everything is left to the line manager's decision.

Explore other reviews about Swiss Re

5.0
7 Feb 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They invest in their employees. good culture.

Cons

Things move slowly through upper mgmt

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Swiss Re Response
2mo
It’s great to hear that the supportive environment and people‑focused culture resonated with you during your time at Swiss Re. We recognize that larger organizations can naturally move a bit slower, we’re continually working to make processes smoother for our employees. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
2.0
30 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. 12% 401k match 2. Amazing co workers in the trenches but this is rapidly changing as people look for the exits.

Cons

1. Management - the new management team has a maximum personal bonus / profit only mindset. Cost cutting reigns. 2. Constant layoffs. No job is safe. 3. Company has offshored many jobs to India and is in a race to move key underwritering, engineering, claims functions to India as well. Overall, it feels more like a private equity gut job than a publicly traded company.

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