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Generali CEO Says It’s Too Early to Discuss Possible Renewal

Generali CEO Says It’s Too Early to Discuss a Possible New Term

Assicurazioni Generali SpA Chief Executive Officer Philippe Donnet said it’s too early to speak about a possible new term before the expiration of his mandate next year.

The insurer’s board of directors is also set to expire and preparatory works for its renewal “will be submitted to the next board,” the CEO said in a Bloomberg TV interview. “My personal situation is part of this and it’s a bit early to talk about that,” he said.

Donnet, backed by Generali’s top investor Mediobanca SpA, was named to the job five years ago, replacing Mario Greco. The French native, 61, joined the firm as CEO of Generali Italy in 2013 after holding various roles at insurance companies in Italy, France and Asia.

Some of the company’s Italian investors -- including construction magnate Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone -- have been pushing for changes in the insurer’s governance, according to local media reports.

Caltagirone, who serves as Generali’s vice chairman, didn’t vote to approve 2020 results, a symbolic move underscoring his disagreements with some company executives and their backers.

Cutting Costs

As CEO, Donnet has cut costs, focused on digitalization and expanded into more lucrative product areas and higher-margin insurance to boost profitability.

The executive has also expanded business through acquisitions in Italy and abroad and cemented Generali’s already commanding presence in its home market by taking over smaller rival Societa Cattolica di Assicurazioni and agreeing to buy AXA SA’s insurance operations in Malaysia.

Donnet will present the company’s new plan at an investor day scheduled for Dec. 15.

Generali in November confirmed its three-year strategy and financial targets for this year, despite the pandemic effect. The company posted higher-than-expected first half profit after last year’s Covid-related impairments on investments weren’t repeated, as it benefited from higher operating income.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.