Allianz reshapes North America leadership in transformation strategy

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), the industrial insurer of Allianz Group, has made new appointments in North America as part of its recently launched  global transformation strategy to "regain profitability and market leadership" in the corporate and specialty insurance segment.

Max Nussbaumer has been appointed SVP operations North America, overseeing all North American chief operating officer (COO) areas and reporting directly to AGCS COO Bettina Dietsche.

In this new role, Nussbaumer will be responsible for the implementation of global COO priorities in the region, while also addressing regional needs. As a first priority, he will be tasked with digitalisation across North America and compatibility with AGCS’s global IT model. Since 2010, Nussbaumer served as managing partner and founder of his own management consultancy firm, focused primarily on the financial services industry, digital innovation and compliance management projects both in the US and Europe. Based in Chicago, he previously worked for various Allianz companies as a consultant.

Paul Schiavone, formerly regional head of financial lines, has been promoted to a newly created global role of global industry solution director for Financial Institutions. Schiavone will be responsible for driving solutions and expertise across all lines of business for clients in this target sector.

Additionally, Joe Caruso will be promoted to regional head of financial lines. Caruso, who was formerly regional head of financial institutions, will transition into this role effective September 1 and will continue to develop AGCS’s portfolio both in the US and Canada which includes cyber, directors & officers and professional indemnity products and solutions.

Lastly, Rani Christie, who has served as head of sales and South & Northeast Zone executive, will take on the newly created role of regional head of distribution. In addition to AGCS business development efforts, Christie will also be responsible for marketing and sales operations to ensure broker and client needs align with global distribution; he will also continue to support the AGCS strategy to drive a high-performing culture through various sales academy initiatives.

"I look forward to working with these well-respected professionals as we embark on this new phase of our business in the U.S. and Canada,” said William Scaldaferri, AGCS North America CEO. “This is an exciting time in AGCS’s history and we are well positioned for the future with this exceptional team. Each executive brings strong expertise and market experience to their role, which will be instrumental in streamlining the organization to enhance distribution, product solutions and service to our North American clients.”