American Swiss Foundation honors Swiss Re CEO Andreas Berger at New York gala

By AI, Created 5:03 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The American Swiss Foundation honored Swiss Re Group CEO Andreas Berger at its 81st annual gala on May 12 in New York City, spotlighting the group’s work to strengthen ties between Switzerland and the United States. The event drew more than 250 guests, along with diplomats, business leaders and alumni of the foundation’s leadership programs.

Why it matters: - The American Swiss Foundation used its annual gala to highlight the value of Switzerland-U.S. cooperation at a time of growing global complexity. - The event underscored the foundation’s role in building leadership networks between the two countries. - Swiss Re’s partnership with the foundation signals continued support from a major global financial services company.

What happened: - The American Swiss Foundation hosted its 81st Annual Gala on Tuesday, May 12, at the Harvard Club in New York City. - The foundation honored Andreas Berger, Group Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Re, for efforts to advance and deepen the partnership between Switzerland and the United States. - More than 250 guests attended the gala. - Robert J. Giuffra Jr., chair of the ASF board of directors, delivered introductory remarks. - Ron Abegglen, director of public affairs and advisor to the CEO of Swiss International Air Lines, delivered opening remarks. - Andreas Berger addressed attendees during the program. - Switzerland’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Dr. Ralf Heckner, delivered closing remarks. - Shay Robinson, a member of the American Swiss Foundation’s Alumni Committee, emceed the evening.

The details: - Giuffra said the foundation has worked since 1945 to strengthen the friendship between Switzerland and the United States through the Young Leaders Conference, Leadership Summit and Innovation Forum. - Giuffra said Swiss Re is one of the world’s most important financial services companies and thanked the company for its long partnership with the foundation. - Abegglen said events like the gala matter because they bring together people who believe in dialogue and cooperation. - Berger said strong transatlantic relationships are essential to address shared risks and opportunities. - Berger said ASF’s network and leadership development work help sustain the partnership between the two countries. - Heckner said Switzerland and the United States share a close and enduring partnership shaped by innovation, cooperation and mutual respect. - Heckner said ASF helps carry that relationship forward by connecting current and future leaders in both countries. - Robinson said the gala celebrated connection between Switzerland and the United States, across industries and across generations. - The gala drew business leaders, elected officials and members of the diplomatic corps. - More than 45 alumni of ASF’s Young Leaders Conference and Innovation Forum attended. - Members of the foundation’s board of directors and advisory and leadership councils were also present.

Between the lines: - The gala was as much a networking event as a tribute, bringing together leaders from business, diplomacy and the foundation’s alumni ranks. - The foundation’s focus remains on leadership development, not just social ties, with alumni now spanning politics, business, media and public policy. - Honoring Berger also elevated Swiss Re as a visible corporate partner in the Switzerland-U.S. relationship.

What’s next: - ASF said its mission remains connecting and engaging Swiss and American leaders. - The foundation will continue its flagship Young Leaders Conference, which launched in 1989 under former U.S. Ambassador Faith Whittlesey. - Alumni from the past 35 conferences now total more than 1,800 leaders, including members of Congress, Swiss parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, executives, media professionals and policy experts. - The foundation’s next opportunities to convene leaders will likely build on the same transatlantic network showcased at the gala.