Allianz shakes up AGCS alternative risk transfer leadership in growth push

Allianz group's specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) has added new global leadership positions in its alternative risk transfer (ART) and liability lines of business to help drive the expansion of its services.

Christof Bentele has been appointed to the newly created role of head of global client management for ART. Based in New York, he will oversee the management of existing and the building of new client and broker relationships across the global ART portfolio, reporting directly to Michael Hohmann, global head of ART.

Bentele's previous role as head of global crisis management has been split into two positions - Björn Reusswig is appointed head of global political violence and hostile environment solutions, and Stewart Eaton as head of global crisis management recall. Both the executives will report to Chiara Brady, global head of liability AGCS.

Reusswig will oversee AGCS’ global product offering for coverages such as terrorism and sabotage, terrorism liability, political violence as well as special contingency and other hostile environment solutions, including access to Worldaware services.

AGCS's ART line of business was set up in November 2018 and designs tailored multi-line, multi-year or parametric risk management solutions for businesses beyond traditional property & casualty insurance products. Bentele joined AGCS in 2014 to launch the AGCS crisis management practice.

Hohmann said: “Christof has always put the customer at the center of what he does and I am extremely pleased that he has joined ART and is now helping us further develop our client solutions and services. Alternative risk transfer typically involves designing complex deals and programs which are tailored to the needs of a specific company and, with Christof’s support, we aim to make this process as smooth as possible for our customers.”

Ciara Brady, global head of liability, added: “AGCS entered the crisis management business in 2015 and has had tremendous success building our footprint as a market leader. With the move of Christof to ART, I wanted dedicated leaders for these highly specialized and unique product suites. Both Björn and Stewart have the underwriting expertise and global insight to help AGCS be the insurance partner our clients need. I welcome them to my leadership team, and look forward to working with them in future.”