How would you improve profit of Swiss Re by 10%?
You were just promoted to the position of Swiss Re's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). You boss, the CEO, has asked you to propose a plan how to increase Swiss Re's profit by 10% in the following year. You are supposed to present this plan at the next board meeting. How would you achieve this?
CHALLENGE
You just walked out of the CEO's office and are meeting with your team. You start brainstorming. The first thing that comes to your mind it to increase Swiss Re's revenue. However, due to the current market limitations that is not possible. The insurance market is currently experiencing a lot of competition. There are many insurance companies competing for the same customers, so increasing prices for products is also not possible. The only solution is to optimize the operating expenses, which means to decrease Swiss Re's costs. After all, finding ways how to make a company use its financial resources more effectively and efficiently is the job of every good CFO.
After you accept this challenge, additional information (financial data) will be sent to you via email.
Your task:
- Optimize Operating Expenses at least by 10%. What are the options?
- Calculate the proposed expenses for next year
- Explain why you decided for this strategy
- Share the risks of your strategy. What are the disadvantages of this approach?
Challenge evaluation criteria:
- Quality of analysis – how well you understand and use the data. We will be interested in your calculations.
- Clarity of argumentation – ability to clearly explain your decisions.
- Formal aspects of your solution – how structured and well-written are your thoughts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Your solution can be your ticket to an interview for positions in Swiss Re! If you are interested in a part-time or full-time job at Swiss Re, please include this sentence on the top of your solution: "I am interested in working for Swiss Re."
About Swiss Re: Swiss Re was established in 1863 and in 2007 Swiss Re Bratislava became a part of it. Since then we have managed to grow rapidly and our office in Bratislava currently occupies around 1400 employees. In 2016 we received the Slovakia Best Employer award from Aon.
Did you know that Swiss Re was the lead insurer of the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks or that we provide coverage for some of the most well-known entertainment and sporting events in the world such as Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup?
Swiss Re also supports sustainability and renewable energy innovations. Did you know we insured Solar Impulse, the first solar airplane, which flew around the world?
Find out more about us on swissre.com
