Allianz Trade has unveiled a series of leadership changes across its Northern Europe region, with three senior appointments effective from July and August.
Benoit Semelin has been named regional chief financial and administrative officer (CFAO), succeeding Sébastian Rageot, who now serves as CEO for the Nordics. Semelin, who joined Allianz Trade in 2003 as controlling manager for the French entity, has built a career spanning CFO positions in Paris, Turkey, and most recently, Asia Pacific. Based in Brussels, he will leverage his financial expertise to strengthen operations across Northern Europe.
Sorina Eremia has taken on the role of regional credit director, following Matt Williams’ transition to CEO for the UK and Ireland. A long-standing member of Allianz Trade since 2006, Eremia has led underwriting teams across Central and Eastern Europe, the UK and Ireland, and Benelux. In her new capacity, she will oversee credit strategy for the Northern Europe region.
Craig Ironside has been appointed regional commercial director, succeeding Rodrigo Jimenez, who has moved to CEO for Asia Pacific. Returning to the UK after more than 25 years with Allianz Trade, Ironside brings extensive commercial leadership experience, including his recent role as group head of commercial underwriting and product development in Paris. Based in London, he will lead the commercial functions for Northern Europe.
Marine Bochot, head of Northern Europe Region at Allianz Trade, highlighted the significance of these internal appointments, noting that each successor brings over two decades of experience within the company.
The Northern Europe changes form part of a wider series of executive transitions across Allianz Trade’s global operations. In June, the company announced the retirement of James Daly, CEO of Allianz Trade in the Americas, with Sarah Murrow, currently CEO for the UK & Ireland, named as his successor subject to regulatory approval. A new CEO for the UK & Ireland will be announced later this year.
Separately, Allianz Trade confirmed a leadership change in its reinsurance division. Benoît des Cressonnières, global head of reinsurance and CEO of Euler Hermes Reinsurance AG, will retire in September 2025. He will be succeeded in October by Philippe Dessèvre, currently CFO of Allianz Trade in DACH, pending regulatory approval.
