Swiss Life’s governance structure

Swiss Life structures its corporate governance openly and transparently in the interests of its shareholders, policyholders and employees, taking account of leading national and international corporate governance standards. The corporate governance comprises an adequate and transparent organisational structure as well as a clear assignment and separation of responsibilities, in particular the division of powers between the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Board. Additionally, it comprises an elaborated directives system and an effective system for the disclosure of information.

The Board of Directors is responsible for all matters that are not reserved for the consideration of the Annual General Meeting (formally the supreme decision-making body of a public limited company) under the terms of the law (Art. 698 of the Swiss Code of Obligations CO) or by the company’s Articles of Association. In line with its non-transferable duties prescribed by law, the Board of Directors is responsible, in particular, for the ultimate direction of the Group, as well as the supervision of the Corporate Executive Board.

The Corporate Executive Board is chaired by the Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO). The Group CEO directs the business operations of the Group. The Group CEO, together with the Corporate Executive Board, works out the long-term objectives and strategic orientation of the Group for submission to the Board of Directors and, based on the resolutions of the Board of Directors, ensures the goal-oriented leadership and development of the Group. The Corporate Executive Board can form committees to address specific areas and can delegate competencies to such Corporate Executive Board committees.

Further information can be found in the Annual Report (section “Corporate Governance”).