Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Confirms New London, U.S. Execs

July 12, 2011

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) has confirmed new CEOs from within its existing management team for two of its most important regions. As of October first, Carsten Scheffel, currently CEO of AGCS for the Americas region, will move to London and Hugh Burgess, currently Head of Marine (Americas) for AGCS, will succeed him in the U.S. post.

Scheffel, 53, will assume responsibility for the “major industrial and specialist insurance activities of AGCS in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands and its recently formed team in South Africa,” said the announcement. He is from Canada, and joined Allianz in 1978. He previously served as Chief Agent of AGCS in Canada before moving to AGCS’s Chicago offices in 2006.

Allianz noted that Scheffel “takes on this role in a continued phase of AGCS’s succession planning, which has seen Andreas Berger, the current CEO of the London branch, promoted to the AGCS AG Board.”

Burgess, 43, will be in charge of AGCS’s business in the United States, Canada and in Latin America including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. The bulletin noted that this “region is an important growth area for AGCS, forming 30 percent of the company’s 2010 gross written premiums, with market-leading positions in marine and aviation insurance in the United States, and a fast developing book of corporate lines business including construction and property insurance across the region.

“Burgess, a US citizen, has been head of AGCS’s Marine business in the Americas since January 2009. He was previously Chief Underwriting officer, Specialty Insurance, at Allianz Company Fireman’s Fund until this company’s marine portfolio was transferred to AGCS in 2009. His successor as Head of Marine (Americas) will be announced in the coming weeks.”

Doug Pennycuick and Andreas Berger, AGCS’s Chief Regions and Markets Officers, explained the move in a joint statement: “Carsten is a natural successor for the CEO Regional Unit London position, bringing over 30 years’ experience to this role, and Hugh is an excellent fit for the Americas, being an established leader in this market already. The three months from now until October provide an effective transition period for a well-coordinated handover as they move into their new roles.”

The restructuring of AGCS follows the appointment of Lori Dickerson FouchĂ© as the new president and CEO of Allianz’ Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. last week.

Source: Allianz Corporate & Specialty

Topics USA London Canada Allianz

Was this article valuable?

Here are more articles you may enjoy.