As Allianz reshapes its leadership ranks in the UK and Australia, a bigger picture emerges finance leaders are increasingly stepping into top operational roles. From CFO to CEO and beyond, Allianz is embracing a global trend in which financial acumen isn’t just about managing the books but about steering the business forward.
UK: Strategic Reshuffling at Allianz UK
Allianz UK has announced several major leadership changes set to take effect on December 1, 2025:
- Ulf Lange, the current Chief Financial Officer, will step into the role of Managing Director, Personal Lines.
- Michael Ruf will move from Allianz SE in Munich to become the new UK CFO.
- Serge Raffard, the current MD, will lead Allianz’s India expansion as General Manager (pending regulatory approval).
- Suzanne Scott (ex-AXA UK&I) joins as Chief People & Culture Officer.
- David Kelly (ex-Brit Insurance) is set to become Chief Audit Officer in early 2026, replacing Matt Cox.
These changes reflect Allianz UK's strategy to promote internal talent while also welcoming fresh expertise, a balanced approach aimed at strengthening its leadership foundation.
Australia: Allianz Retire+ Names New CEO & CFO
- David Kane has been confirmed as CEO, having served as acting CEO since July 2025.
- Sungwoo Park has been named Chief Financial Officer.
These appointments highlight Allianz’s commitment to expanding its retirement income business across the Asia-Pacific region.
Fundz Executive Insight: Finance Leaders in the Spotlight
\"Recent Fundz data and global leadership trends show a clear rise in CFOs transitioning into CEO and MD roles — and Allianz is right in step with this evolution.\"
📊 Global Trends Snapshot (2023–2025):
- 8.4% of new S&P 500 CEOs in 2023 were previously CFOs (CFO Brew)
- 34% of outgoing CFOs moved into CEO/President roles (Russell Reynolds)
- Only ~8% of CFO-to-CEO transitions delivered top-quartile performance (Spencer Stuart)
Promotions like Ulf Lange’s and David Kane’s reflect Allianz’s belief that today’s CFOs are tomorrow’s enterprise leaders.
🧠 Fundz-Tracked Transitions: CFOs Stepping Up in 2025
| Company | Former CFO | New Role | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz UK | Ulf Lange | MD, Personal Lines | Dec 2025 | United Kingdom |
| Allianz Retire+ | David Kane (Acting CEO) | CEO | Oct 2025 | Australia |
| AXA Belgium | Hanne Decoutere | CEO | Apr 2025 | Belgium |
| Zurich Insurance Group | Martina Erismann | MD, Corporate Clients | Jun 2025 | Switzerland |
| Aegon | Theo Reemer | CEO, Retirement Europe | May 2025 | Netherlands |
Strategic Outlook
- Leadership Depth: Allianz blends internal promotions with strategic external hires.
- Trend-Driven Moves: The CFO-to-leader shift mirrors global executive hiring trends.
- Growth vs. Governance: Success will hinge on combining fiscal expertise with operational leadership.
Final Word
Allianz’s latest appointments in both the UK and Australia showcase how financial leadership is evolving. With CFOs increasingly stepping into CEO and MD roles, the company is positioning itself for agility, growth, and global integration.
🧭 For more executive movement coverage, explore the Fundz Executive Moves blog and stay updated on leadership changes across industries worldwide.