I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rainer’s death. I last saw him a few years ago in Cologne and we had a good catch up on what he had done post-retirement and what I was now doing at Gen Re. I have no doubt that my career at Gen Re has been significantly influenced by Rainer’s trust in me. He took a chance to give me the head of the South Africa Life business was I was just 29 years old. Most seasoned executives would never take a chance like that but Rainer did. He once told me “I knew that when I asked you to run the South Africa business that I wasn’t taking a chance on you and you never let me down.” It was once of the nicest and affirming comments I have ever had from my manager. 

I don’t think Rainer or I ever argued about anything. I remember him listening to me about one matter or another and he would just conclude “Sounds like you know what you need to do”. He challenged me to be patient. He challenged me to think thoughtfully about the business. He trusted me implicitly and he just let me get on with my job. I always enjoyed the a round of golf with Rainer. We played almost every time he visited South Africa and then on two occassions I played with him at his course in Cologne. The conversation was always diverse and thoughful. His demeanour generally unchanged whether it was a good or a bad round for him. 

I am indebted to Rainer because he set me on the career path I now enjoy with Gen Re.