Stephan von Watzdorf – Head Cyber Centre at Swiss Re
Stephan leads the Cyber Centre of Competence, which encompasses modelling, insights and research activities for Swiss Re’s Cyber Insurance business. Stephan previously worked at Zurich Insurance, where he was responsible for Cyber and Professional Indemnity portfolios in the Swiss market.
He was leading the development of products and services ranging from the SME up to the Corporate client space. Prior to this role, he held management positions on a global and country level. Stephan has a PhD in Computer Science from ETH Zurich, specializing in Information Management. In his spare time, he enjoys the family time and winter sports activities.
Stephan has held a position at Swiss Re since July 2022. Based in Zürich, Switzerland, he leads initiatives focused on cyber risk management and insurance solutions. Before joining Swiss Re, he spent over a decade at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. At Zurich Insurance, he served in various roles:
- Head of PI and Cyber Risk (April 2017 – July 2022): Focused on professional indemnity and cyber risk strategies in the Zurich Area.
- Head of International Financial Lines Operations (January 2015 – March 2017): Managed global operations related to financial lines.
- Strategic Assistant to the COO of Global Corporate (January 2013 – December 2014): Supported strategic initiatives for the corporate division.
Earlier in his career, Stephan worked as a Senior Researcher at ETH Zurich from 2008 to 2011. He also spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2011.
His educational background includes a Doctorate (Dr. ETH) from ETH Zürich (2008–2011).
