Beijing, China – China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation, a prominent state-owned reinsurer, has announced a significant leadership change with the retirement of its Chairman, He Chunlei, and the appointment of Zhuang Qianzhi as his successor. The transition became effective on September 18, 2025.
He Chunlei's Retirement and Contributions
He Chunlei, born in April 1965, retired from his position as Chairman, Executive Director, and Chairman of the Strategy and Sustainable Development Committee due to reaching the statutory retirement age. He joined China Reinsurance in 1999 and had served as Chairman since December 2022. The company and its Board expressed 'sincere gratitude' for his 'significant contributions' during his tenure.
Zhuang Qianzhi Assumes Leadership
Following He Chunlei's departure, Zhuang Qianzhi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the fifth session of the Board. His formal assumption of the role is contingent upon approval from the National Financial Regulatory Administration. In the interim, Zhuang Qianzhi will serve as the legal representative and active chairman, effective September 18, 2025. He will also step down as the company's president on the same date, acting as a 'provisional person-in-charge' for the president's duties until a new president is officially appointed.
Zhuang Qianzhi, born in January 1972, holds a doctoral degree in economics and is a senior economist. He joined China Reinsurance in 2021 and has held several key roles within the company, including Vice Chairman, Executive Director, Vice President, President, and Chief Risk Officer. His extensive experience also includes serving as chairman at subsidiaries such as China Life Reinsurance Company Ltd. and China Re Asset Management Company Ltd. Prior to joining China Re, he held senior positions at various financial institutions, including China Construction Bank Corporation, China Jianyin Investment Ltd., and Southwest Securities Co., Ltd.
About China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation
China Reinsurance (Group) Corporation is recognized as a leading reinsurance player and the sole state-owned reinsurer in China. The company ranks 1st in Asia and 8th globally by gross reinsurance premium. Co-founded by the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China and Central Huijin Investment Company Limited, China Re is listed in Hong Kong and offers a range of products and services including reinsurance, property insurance, and life insurance.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Confidence in China's financial institutions grows with such experienced leaders taking the helm.
Bermudez
Just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. State-owned entities often lack true market agility.
Habibi
It's good to see a clear succession plan, ensuring continuity at a major global reinsurer. However, it remains to be seen if this leadership change will genuinely foster new strategic directions or simply maintain the status quo.
Bermudez
High-level appointments in state firms always raise questions about transparency and meritocracy.
Africa
While China Re's global ranking is certainly a testament to its scale, the leadership transition within a state-owned framework often prioritizes stability over truly disruptive innovation. Hopefully, Qianzhi can balance both.