Allianz Commercial has unveiled a series of senior leadership changes, effective August 1, aimed at enhancing client and broker engagement while aligning its regional operations in Benelux and the Nordics with evolving market needs.
Elke Vagenende Named Chief Client Officer
Elke Vagenende, currently serving as regional managing director for Benelux and the Nordics, has been appointed chief client officer. In this newly created global role, Vagenende will lead Allianz Commercial’s client management strategy while continuing to oversee her regional responsibilities until September 1.
A Belgian national, Vagenende has led operations in the Benelux and Nordics since 2023. Her extensive background includes roles in underwriting, broking, and risk management, with prior experience at Allianz UK as well as multinational risk leadership positions at BP and Siemens.
Tom Leonard Appointed Global Head of Broker Management
Tom Leonard, will take on the role of global head of broker management. Both Vagenende and Leonard will be based in London and join the global distribution team under the leadership of Jeremy Sharpe.
Currently serving as global broker account director, Leonard will be responsible for managing Allianz Commercial’s relationships with global, international, and key regional brokers. A British national, Leonard has been with Allianz UK since 2007, holding various leadership roles across underwriting, trading, and operations.
Expanded Focus on Client Segmentation
Martin Zschech will continue as global head of industry solutions and client management, with an enhanced focus on serving the private equity segment—reflecting Allianz Commercial’s strategic approach to client segmentation and solution development.
These appointments follow recent executive changes at Allianz Commercial, including the appointment of Shanil Williams as chief regions officer for the Americas and Vanessa Maxwell as chief underwriting officer. Maxwell’s role now also includes global responsibility for cyber insurance.
Nordics to Operate as Standalone Region
As part of its regional restructuring, Allianz Commercial will establish the Nordics as a standalone region. Effective August 1, Margaretha Mo will become regional managing director for the Nordics, overseeing operations across Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Mo, a Swedish national, brings three decades of insurance industry experience and currently serves as country managing director for the Nordics. Her career spans executive roles at both insurers and brokers in the region.
Leadership Transition in Benelux
Following Vagenende’s transition to her global role, leadership of the Benelux region will pass to Jonathan Poole, who joins Allianz from Chubb. Poole most recently served as head of the mid-market division for the UK and Ireland at Chubb and brings over 30 years of experience in the European corporate insurance sector. He will be based in Belgium.
