Thomas-Buess-portrait

Born 1957, Swiss national
Member of the Board of Directors

After completing his business administration and economics studies at the University of St. Gallen and a two-year research activity at the Institute of International Economics, Thomas Buess launched his career in insurance in 1985. From 1985 to 1993 he assumed various positions in the area of finance at the ELVIA Group. In 1994 he joined Zurich Financial Services Group as Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Executive Committee of the Swiss P&C business unit. From 1997 to 1999 he was Chief Financial Officer of all Swiss operations. In 1999 Thomas Buess moved to the USA as Chief Financial Officer of Zurich Financial Services Group’s North American business area. In 2002 he was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Group Management Board before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer of Zurich Financial Services Global Life in 2004. In January 2009 he moved to Allianz Group as Head of Operational Transformation. In August 2009 Thomas Buess was named Group Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Corporate Executive Board of the Swiss Life Group. After nearly ten years, Thomas Buess handed over his function as Group CFO to his successor at the end of February 2019.

Other appointments

  • Cembra Money Bank Ltd., Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Member of the Compensation and Nomination Committee
  • Sygnum Bank Ltd, Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee 
  • Grovana Watch Co Ltd, Member of the Board of Directors
  • Swiss KMU Partners Ltd, Member of the Board of Directors