Exhibit 99.1


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                                            For further information, contact
                                            John Hayden
                                            (636) 736-7243


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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                 REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED
                     ELECTS LAUNER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD


         ST. LOUIS, July 23, 2004 - The board of directors of Reinsurance
Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) elected Leland C. Launer, Jr.
chairman of the board, succeeding Stewart G. Nagler who retired from RGA's
board, effective today.

         Mr. Launer has been a director of RGA since 2003, and serves as
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of MetLife, Inc.,
responsible for the company's investment portfolio. He also is a member of
MetLife's Executive Group and serves on the boards of several MetLife
affiliates.

         MetLife, Inc. beneficially owns approximately 52 percent of RGA's
outstanding common shares.

         Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, through its
subsidiaries, RGA Reinsurance Company and RGA Life Reinsurance Company of
Canada, is among the largest providers of life reinsurance in North America.
In addition to its U.S. and Canadian operations, Reinsurance Group of
America, Incorporated has subsidiary companies, branch offices or
representative offices in Australia, Barbados, Hong Kong, India, Ireland,
Japan, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the United
Kingdom. Worldwide, as of March 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $1.3
trillion of life reinsurance in force, and assets of $12.7 billion.


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