Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2026

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Reinsurance Association of America
Tara Dunion

 

RAA ELECTS 2026-2027 OFFICERS

 

Washington, D.C. - Nic Berg, Head of P&C North America at SCOR and CEO of SCOR US, was elected Chair of the Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) Board of Directors at its 58th Annual Meeting on April 24, 2026.

John Bender, Chairman of Reinsurance and Risk Management, Allied World Reinsurance Company, was elected Vice Chair. Christopher Donelan, Chief Executive Officer, Global Reinsurance, Sompo International Holdings Ltd., was elected Secretary-Treasurer.

“At this important moment for the reinsurance industry, with evolving risks, changing market dynamics, and increasing demands on resilience, the RAA is grateful for the leadership and expertise these individuals bring to our work,” said Tracey Laws, president and CEO of the Reinsurance Association of America. “Their guidance is critical to advancing our advocacy, education, and research on behalf of the industry. We thank our newly elected officers for their strong commitment to advancing RAA’s mission and impact. We also extend our sincere appreciation to outgoing chair Jon Collelo, President, Partner Re Ltd., for his leadership and meaningful contributions to the RAA and the reinsurance industry.”

Nic Berg is Head of P&C North America at SCOR and CEO of SCOR US. Prior to joining SCOR in April 2022, Berg spent most of his career at AIG where he held multiple global and regional executive roles based in New York, Paris, and London, overseeing various P&C Underwriting Divisions. His background also includes time in Finance and Claims, including as AIG Chief Claims Officer for North America from 2017 to 2019. Berg holds a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Paris II and a Master’s Degree in International Risk Management from HEC business school. He is based in New York City.

John Bender is Chairman of Reinsurance and Risk Management and a member of the Executive Board at Allied World. His responsibilities include oversight of Allied World’s assumed and ceded reinsurance operations, enterprise risk management and cat modeling for the company. Previously, Bender was the President and Chief Executive Officer for Allied World’s global reinsurance operations and the President of Allied World Reinsurance Management Company from 2011 to 2023. He was also a member of Allied World’s senior management team, and from 2007-2011, he was responsible for the build out of Allied World’s US reinsurance operation.

Bender is also the Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. When not working in reinsurance, he spends much of his time working with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to find a cure for childhood cancer.  The foundation has granted over $369 million since 2005 for lifesaving research. Bender holds a Bachelor of Science from the College of Business Administration at St. John’s University, in Queens, N.Y., where he also serves on the university’s Board of Governors.

Chris Donelan was appointed CEO of Global Reinsurance at Sompo in March 2020, having previously served as the Deputy CEO for Global Reinsurance, Chairman of North America Reinsurance and CUO of Global Casualty Reinsurance. Prior to joining the company in October 2013, Donelan held senior underwriting, claims and reinsurance management positions with various insurance and reinsurance organizations. With over 30 years of industry experience, he has a successful track record of building and leading global reinsurance portfolios. Donelan holds an MBA in Insurance and Risk Management from St. John’s University and both the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Reinsurance designations.

About the Reinsurance Association of America

The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) is the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. RAA membership is diverse, including reinsurance underwriters and intermediaries licensed in the U.S. and those that conduct business on a cross-border basis. The RAA also has life reinsurance affiliates and insurance-linked securities (ILS) fund managers and market participants that are engaged in the assumption of property/casualty risks. The RAA represents its members before state, federal and international bodies. Visit Reinsurance.org for more information.

 

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“By far and away the most well rounded and useful Cat-focused industry conference out there. Perfect for all levels within the industry. From the conference content, the presenters and the attendees, this conference is a can’t miss for those interested in expanding their knowledge and learning more about cat related insurance and reinsurance modeling topics ” Nick DiMuzio, Everest

"Fantastic, enriching conference - brilliantly planned and run, illuminating talks and excellent opportunities for networking across multiple areas of catastrophic risk.” Gary Ackerman, University at Albany

“From a treaty underwriter's point of view, RAA presented relevant topics related to today's macro events. Scientific presentations provided insight that I can incorporate in underwriting and share with my clients.” Eric B. Silberman, Munich Re

"Great conference with some of the biggest names in the business presenting their work. What more could you ask for?” Ron Nash, Nash Consulting

“A perfect introduction to the world of reinsurance. Relevant topics, great speakers and the opportunity to network with industry peers makes this a must go event.”
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Demystifying Reinsurance was an excellent tool to clearly understand and break down the basics. Very good class and recommend it for beginners and even as a refresher course for the intermediate student.”
Chenessia West, TransRe

“Re Basics is the ideal opportunity whether an industry professional or student of insurance to understand the in and outs of reinsurance while being able to network with persons spread across the whole industry.”
Darius Zuill, Bermuda Monetary Authority

“This has been the best reinsurance seminar that I have been to! Whether a reinsurance seasoned vet or new to the field, this is an engaging seminar that addressed specific issues of the reinsurance market.”
Michelle Thimm, Church Mutual Insurance 

“Re Underwriting provided a comprehensive and interesting overview of underwriting in the current market with a major (and interesting) focus on trends. Very useful for underwriting and non-underwriting alike.”
DeVika Bourne, PartnerRe

“Very informative experience, and a great way to keep up to date on current underwriting events and trends.”
Steven Whalen, Aspen Re

“Time well spent in learning the updated underwriting business and networking!”
Christine Chen,  Everest Re 
“The panels and presentations were thought provoking and fascinating as numerous topics were covered affecting the industry. I’m leaving the conference with a greater insight of the future market.”
Brittany de Frias, AXIS Capital 

 

“RAA Re Finance was the first RAA seminar I attended, and I was thoroughly impressed with the speakers and content. I learned a great deal from the presentations and intend to bring some new ideas back to my company and share with the team!”
Taylor Robinson, ICW Group

“Fantastic slate of instructors who thoughtfully walked us through financial reporting and other aspects of reinsurance finance. They used terminology that non finance people (lawyers) could understand. Really great program.”
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“If you are in Reinsurance Accounting/Finance, you need to take this course to help you with your job.”
Frank Borawski, Markel  

“The speakers were excellent! There is something to be said about a person, and in this case a group of people, who can take time away from their busy schedules and explain to everyone something they feel passionate about in a manner that's understandable. My only complaint is that I wish we had more time with them.”
Jessica Mieles, Sompo International

“The RAA ReContracts is the most comprehensive reinsurance contract wording training available in the U.S. market.”
David Kragseth, Guy Carpenter   

“The course was very helpful in addressing different viewpoints and important things to consider in contract design and review.”
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“The RAA contract course was very informative and interesting. It covered a wide range of Reinsurance Contracts Types. In my Reinsurance Career, I have had the opportunity to work on a limited type of contracts, so I learned a lot.”
Vivian Castro, Arch Insurance Company 

“The RAA Contracts course provides the opportunity to engage with relevant topics, taught by industry experts, in both seminar and small group environments. The course material and industry experts provide an understanding on a wide range of subjects.” 
Kevin English, LMRe

“Participation in Re Claims should be mandatory for all P&C reinsurance underwriters. It’s truly an eye-opener, providing an in-depth look from a claims manager’s perspective on what happens to the business that we underwrite. There are lots of do’s and don’ts to pay attention to. Re Claims answers all the hard questions."  Michael Delacruz, China Re P&C

“I absolutely love this program. I learned so many new things. Reinsurance from the industry’s top executives, interactive activities, interesting panels, and innovating presentations makes for an intriguing few days. Well worth the time and money.” Chenessia West, TransRe

“As a reinsurance attorney I find Re Claims highly valuable to stay abreast of emerging issues. Also, being walked through practical case studies is extremely helpful in creating a thorough understanding of how contracts work.” Steven Bazil, The Bazil Group

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