HANNOVER, Germany, July 1, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dr. Lutz Koehler (42) assumes responsibility for Corporate Communication, comprising primarily Investor Relations and Public Relations, with effect of July 1, 2002. Dr. Koehler has his doctorate in business administration. Before joining Hannover Re he worked for a primary insurer, where he was responsible for communication, corporate strategy and marketing. His predecessor, Ralf Arndt (34), leaves Hannover Re to take over the finance and accounting department of another reinsurance company. Dr. Koehler had the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new tasks since May 2002. With him we will continue our active and transparent policy of communication with the capital markets and the public. Holger Verwold (Investor Relations) and Gabriele Handrick (Public Relations) will, of course, continue to be available for your inquiries.
Hannover Re, with gross premiums of approx. EUR 12 bn., is the fifth-largest reinsurance group in the world. It transacts all lines of property/casualty, life/health and financial/finite-risk reinsurance as well as program business. It maintains business relations with more than 2,000 insurance companies in over 100 countries. Its worldwide network consists of more than 100 subsidiaries, branch and representative offices in 19 countries. The American rating agencies Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best have awarded Hannover Re a rating of AA ("Very Strong") and A+ ("Superior"), respectively.