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Billionaire Profile
Rolf Gerling
Global Rank
#1622

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Rolf Gerling

CEO, HDI Global SE
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.4B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Insurance
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Rolf Gerling, a German billionaire born on December 15, 1954, is a prominent figure in the finance and insurance sector. His estimated net worth is $2.4 billion, primarily derived from his inheritance and subsequent involvement in the insurance industry. Gerling inherited a significant stake in Gerling-Konzern, a major reinsurance firm, which his father Hans Gerling had built into a global insurance group. His career includes leading Gerling Konzern and later selling his stake. He is known for his passion for environmental protection and commitment to sustainable business practices. Gerling currently resides in Switzerland.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Rolf Gerling was born on December 15, 1954, in Cologne, Germany. He is the son of Hans Gerling, a successful businessman who founded Gerling Konzern, and Irene Gerling. He attended Montessori school and Schiller-Gymnasium in Cologne. He studied Economics at the University of Zurich, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts/Science and later completed a doctorate.

Rise to Success

Gerling inherited a 94% stake in Gerling-Konzern from his father in 1992. The company was one of the world's largest reinsurance companies. He managed the firm until 2005 when he sold his stake to the Talanx Group. His net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Gerling's key achievement includes building Gerling Konzern into one of the world’s largest reinsurance companies. He also successfully sold his stake in the company for a substantial profit. The company focused on insurance and financial services for large commercial companies, small and medium-sized companies, and private individuals.

Philanthropy

Gerling is involved in philanthropy through the Gerling Academy for Risk Research, an environmental think tank that focuses on the study of natural disasters and climate change.

Career Milestones

1992

Inherited Gerling-Konzern

Inherited a 94% stake in Gerling-Konzern from his father, Hans Gerling, valued at $1.6 billion.

2005

Sold Gerling-Konzern

Sold his stake in Gerling Konzern to the Talanx Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental Research

Gerling Academy for Risk Research

Undisclosed

An environmental think tank focusing on the study of natural disasters and climate change.