ECIROA unveils new executive manager
The European Captive Insurance and Reinsurance Owners’ Association (ECIROA) has appointed Harald J.A. Schuster as executive manager with effect from October 1, 2026.
ECIROA said that in this role, he will contribute to the Association’s strategic development, strengthen its engagement with members and stakeholders, and support its activities across the European captive community.
Schuster will work alongside Günther Dröse until the European Captive Forum 2027. Following the European Captive Forum 2027, Schuster is expected to assume the full responsibilities of executive manager, subject to final Board confirmation. According to ECIROA this structured transition will safeguard its institutional knowledge, established relationships and operational continuity while preparing the Association for its next phase of development.
During the transition, Schuster will progressively assume responsibility across ECIROA’s core areas of advocacy, education and networking. He will also contribute to the continued development of the European Captive Forum and work closely with the Board to advance the Association’s priorities and deepen its engagement with the wider European captive community.
“I am delighted to join ECIROA and contribute to its continued development,” said Schuster. “The Association has built a strong foundation through its commitment to advocacy, education and collaboration across the European captive community. I look forward to working with Günther Dröse and the Board, building on this experience and helping ECIROA address the evolving priorities of captive owners in Europe.”
Schuster served as Global Head of Risk & Insurance Management at Mercedes-Benz Group, with responsibility for the company’s global insurance strategy and programs. He previously held the positions of chief executive and chief underwriting officer as well as chief risk officer of Mercedes-Benz Reinsurance S.A., where his board-level responsibilities included captive governance, risk appetite and Solvency II. He also served as Managing Director of Daimler Re Broker GmbH.
His experience combines corporate risk and insurance leadership with captive governance, reinsurance and strategic risk financing, complemented by longstanding relationships across the European and international insurance market.
Udo Kappes, Chairman of the ECIROA Board, said: “Harald brings extensive leadership experience from the corporate insurance, risk and captive environment, and we are very pleased to welcome him to ECIROA. His appointment is part of a carefully planned transition. Günther’s experience, relationships and contribution remain invaluable, and their collaboration through the European Captive Forum 2027 will safeguard continuity while positioning ECIROA for its next phase.”
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