Allianz is shaking up its senior leadership ranks across the UK and global markets, sending a signal to the insurance industry that it’s doubling down on growth, client engagement and competitive positioning. The latest executive appointments in the UK are designed to reinforce Allianz’s leadership pipeline and ensure the business is primed for its next phase of expansion.
Allianz UK confirmed several executive appointments designed to strengthen leadership continuity and talent development. Effective Dec 1, Ulf Lange will move from his current role as chief financial officer to become managing director of personal lines. Lange, who joined Allianz UK in 2023, will oversee the business' next phase of growth and maintain profitability within the personal lines portfolio.
Michael Ruf, currently at Allianz SE in Munich, will replace Lange as CFO. Ruf brings over a decade of senior finance experience within the Allianz Group and will assume the role on the same date.
Current managing director of personal lines, Serge Raffard, will transition to a new global role as general manager, leading Allianz's expansion efforts in India. Meanwhile, Suzanne Scott, formerly chief people and corporate responsibility officer at AXA UK and Ireland, joins as chief people and culture officer, succeeding Julie Harrison, who is leaving after five years with the company.
David Kelly will also join Allianz UK in early 2026 as chief audit officer, moving from Brit Insurance to succeed Matt Cox, who became chief claims officer earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Allianz Commercial announced a new board structure, effective Jan 1, 2026, aimed at deepening its engagement with brokers and clients across global markets.
Jeremy Sharpe (pictured, left), currently global head of distribution, will join the board of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE as chief distribution officer. In this role, Sharpe will oversee global client and broker management, distribution strategy and Allianz's multinational insurance operations.
Allianz Commercial will also reorganise its market oversight across three regional “President, Commercial” roles. Christian Sandric (pictured, right), currently regional managing director for Asia, will join the board as President, Commercial, Asia Pacific. Presidents for the UK and EMEA will be named in due course, the company said.
Shanil Williams will continue as President, Commercial, Americas, while outgoing Chief Regions Officer, International, Dirk Vogler, will move into a new senior role within Allianz Group to be announced later this year.
Both Allianz UK and Allianz Commercial said the appointments are subject to regulatory approval where applicable.
