HDI Global has announced the appointment of Dr Christian Wegener as its new Head of Investment Management, effective June 15. He will report to Chief Financial Officer Dr Stefan Pasternak and join the insurer’s finance leadership team.
Wegener succeeds Thorsten Wölbern, who steps into a new role within the organisation after 15 years of leading the investment function. In his new position, Wegener will be responsible for enhancing risk-adjusted returns, shaping global asset allocation strategies, and overseeing foreign currency hedging and collateral management processes.
Bringing extensive international experience, Wegener joins HDI Global from HSBC Group in London, where he managed investment activities for the firm’s life insurance operations across Latin America, Europe, and India. He previously served as Chief Investment Officer for HSBC in China and began his insurance career at AXA Group, holding key roles in Cologne, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Pasternak said: “We are pleased to welcome Christian to HDI Global. His strong international background and deep expertise in investment management will be invaluable as we continue to build on our recent financial successes.”
Wölbern will remain with the company, taking on new responsibilities, including oversight of investment mandates for PVI Insurance and the UK Pension Trust.
Wegener’s appointment comes amid strong financial momentum for HDI Global. In 2024, the company reported €10.0 billion in insurance revenue—marking its first time crossing into double-digit billions. Operating profit surged to €702 million, up from €446 million the previous year, while the combined ratio improved to 90.0% from 91.5%.
The insurer also saw a significant boost in its investment performance. Excluding currency effects, net insurance financial and investment results rose to €83 million from €11 million, driven by higher investment volumes and a favourable interest rate environment.
This leadership transition forms part of a broader series of executive changes at HDI Global. Earlier this year, the company appointed Dr Barbara Klimaszewski-Blettner and Dr Dirk Höring to key positions on its management team.
