Kurt Schmitt

Kurt Paul Schmitt was a German jurist versed in economic matters. A supporter of the Nazis since 1930, he joined the Nazi party in 1933, and was made an SS-Brigadeführer in 1935. He was the board chairman of Allianz insurance company from 1921 to 1933 and was the Reich Economy Minister from 1933 to 1934. His antisemitic views led him to believe that the role Jews played in politics, law and the arts was excessive, and had to be drastically curtailed if not eliminated. He was the board chairman of Munich Re during World War II. After the fall of the Nazi regime, he was removed from all his positions and underwent denazification procedures, which resulted in the payment of a fine.