Allianz UK announces raft of senior leadership changes

Insurer Allianz UK has shuffled its executive leadership team, with chief financial officer (CFO) Ulf Lange moving into a new position as managing director for personal lines as of 1 December this year. 

Lange’s move into the role follows the departure of Serge Raffard, who is moving into another role for Allianz as general manager with responsibility for achieving the insurer’s growth ambitions in India.

Replacing Lange in the CFO position is Michael Ruf, who joins Allianz UK from the insurer’s Munich office.

Lange has held his position as CFO since June 2023. Both he and his replacement Ruf previously held the position of Allianz’s head of global lines and Anglo markets. 

Alongside these moves, Allianz UK also announced that Suzanne Scott, its current chief people and corporate responsibility officer, has been appointed chief people and culture officer. Incumbent Julie Harrison has decided to leave her position. 

David Kelly has also been appointed as chief audit officer and will join Allianz UK in the new year. Kelly joins from Brit Insurance and takes over from Matt Cox, who was appointed chief claims officer at Allianz UK back in January. 

Positive moves

Colm Holmes, Allianz UK chief executive, said: ”I’m delighted to announce these senior appointments. These are positive moves for the individuals involved as well as for Allianz UK.

“Lange’s experience as our CFO since 2023 means he has a deep knowledge and understanding of our business, the UK market and good relationships with our distribution partners. 

“With his strength as a leader, he’s well placed to lead our personal lines business through its exciting next phase of development, as well as maintaining profitability for sustainable growth.”

Holmes also welcomed Scott, Kelly and Ruf to Allianz UK, adding that he was “confident” that Allianz UK had a “strong leadership teams with a clear strategy”.