I was deeply saddeneed and continue to be hearing the news of Rainer’s departure. First of all, i would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Rainer’s family and friends and may he RIP. I share your grief and sorrow on this big loss to us all. On the other hand, i would like in his memory elucidate few incidents and anecdotes with my journey with Rainer Isringhaus who has been a role model for many leaders at Gen Re as well as a source of inspiration. Rainer is simply a leader with all its connotations. He knows and he sets the ground for the journey he has envisioned through building trust and confidence in people. I was lucky enough to have joined Cologne Re at the time in 1998 where he was the representative Vorstand for Leben & Kranken. I met Herr Isringhaus during my first interview day in Cologne. Prior meeting him, i was screened by several colleagues and managers at the time. I was not allowed to meet him unless i am worthy enough i was told. I was asked repeatedly to properly pronounce his name Herr Isringhaus several time prior meeting him. There should be “0” chance i make an unjustified error. Not permisible. I imagined him to be tough, rigid, and difficult. When i entered his room alone, you can feel “his” breethe and his presence. He fills the space. We had an hour memorable exchange instead of 15 minutes predefined time limit exchange. Veyr unusual to exceed the time limit. I have found him fair, kind, very polite and attentive to details. A gentleman. He speaks slow and sometimes barely looking at me yet he sees through things. He has a “grin” smile when he is satisfied. You can tell but sometimes , it is silence and pauses. When we finished the encounter, he accompanied me to the corridor and spoken to the unit head at the time across the office and said: Mazen passed and he is fine by me, hire him ; then he smiled with his “eyes” and went back to his quarter. It seems this was the first time he vocally accept immediately in such manner to the surprise of the manager. I told him , I had great time and i did pronounce his name correctly and smiled myself. From that moment, a special bond was estbalished from our chat on challenges in life across cultures globally and about my readiness to be part of the Cologne Re journey as Herr Isringhaus asked me bacj then to stay minimum five years and not to leave before that time. I replied, it depends how you will treat me. This made him smile and pause. Here i am writing these words after 28 years elapsing ! i got married 4 years later back then, and my spouse loved the entire name of Herr Rainer Isringhaus and she always tells me until now, what an impressive name, it resonates. It is majestic she says. In 2003, a new challenge in the operations took place in our branch. Rainer was there and fully supported me all the way without hesitations. He told me, can you handle managing the branch on your own ? i will give 5 years Mazen, show me what you have got. We did tremendousbly well and his backing, empowering, and encouragement meant so much to me. I wanted genuinely to make him proud and his trust not to fade away, to the contrary. Rainer Isringhaus is a special character with unique leadeship talents. he knows, he simply knows…. Rainer Isringhaus does resonate and i am proud to have met him and worked under his inspiring leadership… He has passed the leadership to men and women he believed in and many he has groomed. Good Bye Herr Isringhaus and thanks for your loyalty and belief in people. You do make a difference and definitely resonates no matter where you go … i have no doubt. Bon voyage in your new journey … and may you RIP