Early Life and Education
Rolf Gerling was born on December 15, 1954, in Cologne, Germany. He is the son of Hans Gerling, who built Gerling Konzern into a global insurance group. Rolf attended the University of Zurich, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree. He later completed his Doctorate in 1986.
Rise to Success
Gerling entered his family's firm, Gerling Konzern, in 1989. Upon his father's death in 1991, Rolf inherited a 94% stake in the company. He took over the management of the company and managed it until he sold his stake in 2005.
Key Business Strategies
During his time at Gerling Konzern, Rolf inherited a company that was one of the world's largest writers of reinsurance policies. However, the company faced challenges, including losses from the September 11 attacks and asbestos claims. In 2005, he sold his stake to the Talanx Group.
Philanthropy
Rolf Gerling is also known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in environmental causes. In the 1990s, he helped persuade 50 insurance companies to sign a United Nations pledge to consider environmental problems in their business practices. He founded the Gerling Academy for Risk Research, which studies the impact of the industrial world on the environment.
