What’s New: In Brief (March 09, 2009)

Peter Forstmoser has resigned as chairman of the board of directors of Swiss Re effective May 1, 2009.
Walter B. Kielholz will succeed him as the new chairman of the board.
“Swiss Re has set a new course for its future development,” Forstmoser said in a release. “Therefore I have taken the decision to step down from my position as the chairman of the board one year earlier than planned.”
Mathis Cabiallavetta will be the company’s vice chairman.

Lloyd’s of London has insured Gennaro Pelliccia’s tongue for £10 million (Cdn$18 million).
Costa Coffee’s Italian master of coffee is in charge of tasting every single batch of raw coffee beans at the roastery before they are roasted and shipped to stores.
“In my profession, my taste buds are crucial,” Pelliccia says in a release. “My 18 years of experience enable me to distinguish between thousands of flavours. My taste buds also allow me to search out any defects, which help guarantee Costa’s unique Mocha Italia blend.”