HDI Global has named Dr Christian Wegener (pictured above) as its new head of investment management, effective June 15.
He takes over the role within the finance department under CFO Dr Stefan Pasternak, succeeding Thorsten Wölbern, who transitions to a new position within the organisation after serving in the post for 15 years.
Wegener will lead the insurer’s investment management function, with responsibilities that include enhancing risk-adjusted returns, developing asset allocation strategies, and overseeing global foreign currency hedging and collateral management processes.
Before joining HDI Global, Wegener held various investment and financial risk roles across Europe and Asia. His most recent position was with HSBC Group in London, where he managed investment activities for the group’s life insurance operations across Latin America, Europe, and India.
Prior to that, he served as chief investment officer for HSBC in China. He began his insurance career with AXA Group, with roles in Cologne, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Pasternak welcomed the appointment, saying that he is confident in the value Wegener’s international background and investment experience will bring to the team and overall performance.
“I am very happy to have Christian joining our team, and I am confident that his international experience and investment expertise will be a valuable addition to our investment community and our own performance. I wish him every success in his new role,” Pasternak said.
Wölbern, meanwhile, will remain with HDI Global and take on responsibility for managing the mandates of PVI Insurance and the UK Pension Trust.
Wegener’s appointment follows a period of sustained financial performance for HDI Global. In 2024, the company recorded €10.0 billion in insurance revenue, reaching double-digit billions for the first time.
Operating profit rose to €702 million from €446 million in the prior year, with the combined ratio improving to 90.0% from 91.5%.
The insurer’s improved investment position also contributed to earnings, with the net insurance financial and investment result – excluding currency effects – rising to €83 million from €11 million. The growth was attributed to both increased investment volumes and a stronger interest income environment.
The leadership change in investment management is also part of broader executive-level adjustments at HDI Global. Earlier this year, the company announced several board changes, including the appointments of Dr Barbara Klimaszewski-Blettner and Dr Dirk Höring to key positions within the management team.
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