BNP Paribas: New Leadership Appointments within Commercial, Personal Banking & Services
Béatrice Belorgey, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee at BGL BNP Paribas and Head of BNP Paribas in Luxembourg, has decided to retire at the end of the year. Nicolas Otton, currently Head of BNP Paribas Private Banking in France, will succeed Beatrice Belorgey on January 1, 2026, subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. He will continue to develop BGL BNP Paribas, serving the needs of its clients and supporting growth across all BNP Paribas’s business lines in Luxembourg.
Fabrice Bagne will succeed Nicolas Otton as Head of BNP Paribas Private Banking in France as of November 17, 2025. He will thus become a member of the Executive Committee of Commercial & Personal Banking in France and the Executive Committee of BNP Paribas Wealth Management, reporting to Isabelle Loc, Head of BNP Paribas Commercial & Personal Banking in France, and Virginie Delaunay, Deputy CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management.
“I thank Béatrice for her unwavering commitment and significant contribution to the development of our Group. With a career spanning over 40 years, she has leveraged her expertise in finance and markets, she has taken on successive strategic roles and responsibilities, making significant contributions to the Bank. At the helm of BGL BNP Paribas for over 5 years, she radically modernised the bank across all areas, as reflected by improved client services, the IT cloud migration, and the innovation culture established in the business. By driving BGL BNP Paribas into the future, Béatrice and her teams have contributed to making BGL BNP Paribas a responsible, accessible and indispensable bank in the country’s economy. I am pleased to announce Nicolas’ appointment in Luxembourg, where we are the largest employer in the financial sector with over 4,000 employees. Under Nicolas’ leadership, and in close coordination with all the Group’s business lines, our teams will continue to focus on delivering high-quality, comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of all our clients.” said Thierry Laborde, Chief Operating Officer of BNP Paribas, in charge of Commercial, Personal Banking & Services (CPBS).
“Nicolas has successfully positioned Private Banking as a trusted partner for Entrepreneurs and the new generation. He also expanded our savings offer with Discretionary Portfolio Management, highly appreciated by clients. I warmly thank Nicolas as well as the Private Banking teams. Fabrice will continue to consolidate our leading position in this priority business. His experience within the Group will enable him, with the support of all the Private Banking teams in France, to drive our development ambitions and maintain our position as the leading Private Bank in France with €135 billion in assets under management by the end of 2024.” said Isabelle Loc, Head of BNP Paribas Commercial & Personal Banking in France.
“I’d like to warmly thank Nicolas whose commitment has been key to strengthening our leadership in France, particularly thanks to his drive to transform savings offering, foster deeper client relationships, resulting in a significant increase in clients and employee satisfaction. I have every confidence in Fabrice to continue the commercial momentum across all our client segments, particularly among Entrepreneurs & Families by leveraging all the expertise of the Group.”said Virginie Delaunay, Deputy CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management.
AXA XL announces two key leadership appointments in Asia
AXA XL announced the appointment of Todd Wilhelm as the Head of Specialty, Asia, and Guillaume Parard as the Head of P&C, Asia. These appointments underscore AXA XL’s commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and delivering impactful solutions to clients and brokers in the region.
In his new role, Mr. Wilhelm will lead the Specialty team, which encompasses Niche Specialty (Political Risk and Credit Bonds, Fine Arts & Specie, and Crisis Management), Marine, and Aerospace. His leadership will be instrumental in driving team success and implementing innovative, tailored solutions for clients and brokers. Mr. Wilhelm will assume his new role on September 1, 2024.
Mr. Parard will oversee Property, Energy, Construction (PEC), and Casualty teams in Asia. He will focus on strengthening AXA XL’s market position and ensuring robust performance across these lines of business. Mr. Parard will commence his new role on January 1, 2025, and will gradually transition to his new responsibilities from now until the start date.
Commenting on the appointments, Gilles Fromageot, Chief Executive Officer for Asia, said, “In an increasingly dynamic market, it is essential for our leadership to be agile and forward-thinking. Todd and Guillaume have consistently exhibited outstanding leadership and deep expertise. Their new roles will be crucial in steering our business toward continued success.”
Adias Gerbaud, Chief Underwriting Officer for APAC & Europe, added, “These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our market leadership and deepening relationships with our clients and brokers. Todd and Guillaume’s experience will be key in achieving our strategic goals in Asia.”
Mr. Wilhelm began his insurance career in 1988 with FM and held senior underwriting leadership roles at ACE Insurance Limited and QBE Insurance. He joined AXA XL in December 2017, initially focusing on Property, Energy, and Construction lines before becoming Head of Property & Casualty, Marine and Aerospace for Asia.
Mr. Parard started his insurance career in 2007 with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty before joining AXA Group in 2014. Currently Head of Energy & Construction for APAC & Europe at AXA XL, Guillaume has a proven track record in managing large portfolios and driving strategic initiatives.
Both Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. Parard will be based in Singapore.
Everest Insurance® Division Continues Strategic Expansion of U.S. Wholesale With Key Leadership Appointments
Everest Insurance®, the Insurance division of Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Everest”) (NYSE: RE), announced key appointments in its U.S. Wholesale division. Casey Hartley has been named Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Wholesale Casualty and Danielle Stewart has joined the company as Vice President and National Head of Wholesale Distribution. These appointments build on the company’s recent strategic realignment of its U.S. Casualty business around the unique needs of retail and wholesale partners.
“The leadership appointments of Casey and Danielle underscore our investment in our wholesale offering and reflect our progress advancing Everest’s broader U.S. Casualty strategy and business,” said Dave Sandler, President of U.S. Casualty for Everest Insurance®. “With Casey at the helm and the addition of Danielle leading our distribution strategy, we are well positioned to address the evolving needs of the wholesale marketplace with the service, speed and customization our partners have come to expect from Everest.”
As Head of U.S. Wholesale Casualty, Casey will lead the growth and strategy of Everest’s Wholesale Casualty business units, reporting directly to Dave Sandler, President of U.S. Casualty for Everest Insurance®. Casey joined Everest as a Wholesale Casualty Chief Underwriting Officer, bringing more than two decades of technical industry experience and deep relationships with key trading partners. Prior to joining Everest in 2021, Casey’s career includes a decade at Liberty Mutual, as well as roles at St. Paul Travelers. Casey received a Bachelor of Science in Risk Management & Insurance from The University of Georgia.
In Danielle’s newly created role, she will work closely with Casey and the broader wholesale underwriting leadership team to lead a comprehensive national go-to-market strategy with dedicated regional leaders to best serve our wholesale partners in their local markets. Danielle is based in Los Angeles and reports directly to Marcus Cooper, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Distribution for Everest Insurance®.
In Danielle’s newly created role, she will work closely with Casey and the broader wholesale underwriting leadership team to lead a comprehensive national go-to-market strategy. She will be supported by dedicated regional leaders to best serve wholesale partners in their local markets. Danielle is based in Los Angeles and reports directly to Marcus Cooper, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Distribution for Everest Insurance®.
Danielle joins Everest from Liberty Mutual, most recently as Director of Business Strategy where she was responsible for the development and execution of strategic initiatives for mid-sized commercial profit centers. Prior to that, she managed a portfolio of Primary Casualty E&S business for Liberty’s wholesale underwriting division as well as spent time in distribution leadership and underwriting roles for the wholesale and retail teams. Danielle holds a Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.
Marcus Cooper, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Distribution for Everest Insurance® commented, “The combination of Danielle’s underwriting and distribution experience uniquely positions her to lead the development of a strong long-term strategic roadmap that’s focused on our wholesale commitments, investments, and solutions. I look forward to Danielle’s buildout of our wholesale distribution network and the sustained growth of our Wholesale Casualty business under Casey’s leadership.”
Marsh announces senior Affinity leadership appointments, International Division
Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor, announced senior appointments to its Affinity business, International Division. Effective immediately, Rebecca Bleek is appointed as Affinity Leader, Middle East & North Africa (MENA); Leo Gibbons as Placement Leader, International Affinity; and Sam Suen as Business Digital Strategy Leader, International Affinity.
Marsh’s affinity business provides insurance solutions that are aligned to clients’ brands, cultures, and values and are tailored to customer, member, and/or franchisees’ interests. These solutions are designed for clients to enhance relationships, create additional value, and foster greater loyalty. Marsh’s International Division comprises Africa, Asia, Continental Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, Pacific, and the UK & Ireland regions.
In this newly created position, Ms. Bleek will lead Marsh’s Affinity colleagues across MENA in providing innovative solutions that support Marsh’s clients in growing their businesses through their affinity offerings. In addition to her new role, Ms. Bleek will continue to lead Marsh’s Commercial and Consumer business in the United Arab Emirates, a position she has held since 2019. Ms. Bleek is based in Dubai and reports to to Ayman El Hout, CEO, Marsh UAE.
In his new role, Mr. Gibbons will work with Marsh’s International Affinity business to develop services and solutions that support clients as they adapt to changing customer demands. He was previously Programmes Business Development Lead for two years, and was responsible for the implementation of Marsh’s third-party managing general agent engagement strategy for specialty business. Based in London, he reports to Andrew Ferguson, Chief Sales Officer – Affinity, International.
As Business Digital Strategy Leader, International Affinity, Mr. Suen will execute digital strategies that enrich Marsh’s International Affinity capabilities and assist clients in realizing their business objectives through insurance and digital solutions. With more than 15 years of experience in the business transformation and management consulting space, he has led digital engagement for Affinity across the Asia region since 2019. He is based in London and reports to and Phil Hobson, Affinity Leader, International.
Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Hobson said: “Affinity insurance solutions are increasingly a key differentiator in building and sustaining long-term customer loyalty for many organizations and our key focus is to support our clients as they grow in this space. We are excited to add Rebecca, Leo, and Sam to our senior leadership team, as we continue to develop Marsh’s market-leading Affinity proposition across the International Division and in our regions to deliver differentiated value on our clients’ behalf.”
New leadership appointments in Zurich’s Group Claims
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) has appointed Annarita Roscino as Group Claims Data and Insights Leader, and Nelcia Oliveira as Regional Chief Claims Officer for Latin America. Both will report to Ian Thompson, Group Chief Claims Officer.
Zurich’s claims data is a highly valuable asset that is becoming increasingly important in delivering valued insights for underwriting, pricing and reserving as well as in providing enhanced services to our customers.
In her new role, Ms. Roscino will focus on establishing and executing the Group Claims data and insight strategy, developing data science capabilities across regions and countries. Ms. Roscino joined Zurich in 2006 in the UK, where she was most recently Head of Predictive Analytics in UK Operations. In this role, she was responsible for the analytics strategy, and she successfully further developed data science and analytics capabilities.
As part of ongoing efforts to streamline organizational structures and operations and realize synergies across the regions, Latin America and Asia Pacific regional claims teams became part of Group Claims earlier his year.
The Regional Chief Claims Officer Latin America is a new role focused on providing leadership to the country teams and supporting the delivery of business priorities including bringing the Zurich Brand Purpose to life for our customers.
Ms. Oliveira joined Zurich in 2006 in Brazil as a claims specialist for marine, property and liability and has since held several P&C and Life claims leadership roles. Most recently, she was Head of Technical Claims Excellence for Latin America.
Ian Thompson said: “I’m delighted we have been able to fill such key roles internally. These appointments highlight the capabilities of our home-grown talent and demonstrate Zurich’s commitment to career development and global mobility. Nelcia and Annarita bring significant expertise and experience to the team and are proven leaders. With these appointments to the Group Claims Leadership Team, we can continue to drive our claims strategy and enhance our services to meet the evolving needs of customers.”
Aon confirms EMEA leadership appointments
AON, a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions, confirmed three senior leadership appointments in EMEA.
With John Cullen stepping down from his role as CEO of Commercial Risk, Health and Affinity in EMEA at the end of June, Julie Page, currently CEO of Commercial Risk, Health and Affinity for the UK and Aon UK Ltd, will report to Eric Andersen, President, Aon, and will join the global Aon Operating Committee. Page has been named as CEO of the UK region on the future Aon Executive Committee that will be effective upon the completion of the proposed combination of Aon and Willis Towers Watson.
Responsibility for Commercial Risk, Health and Affinity in EMEA (excluding UK), will transition to Eduardo Dávila, who is currently CEO of Aon Iberia and Middle East. As CEO of Commercial Risk, Health and Affinity in EMEA (excluding UK), Dávila will report jointly to Andersen and Carlo Clavarino, Executive Chairman, International Business, and will also join the global Aon Operating Committee. Dávila has been named CEO of the EMEA region (excluding UK) as part of the future Aon Executive Committee.
Clavarino takes on a new role as Executive Chairman, International Business, continuing to play a key role across the region and building upon more than an outstanding two decades of client service at the firm. In this role, he is also a member of the global Aon Operating Committee. Clavarino has been named Chair, International as part of the future Aon Executive Committee.
Andersen said: “John has consistently delivered for our colleagues and clients over the past 27 years, and we look forward to his continuing efforts as Chair of Aon’s recently established EMEA M&A and Transaction Solutions Advisory Board.
“At the same time, I welcome Julie, Eduardo and Carlo to their expanded roles. As future Aon Executive Committee leaders, they have extensive market experience and strong insights and are recognized for leading and inspiring colleagues to deliver outstanding results.”
Liberty Mutual Insurance Announces Key Executive Leadership Appointments
Liberty Mutual Insurance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Long announced key executive leadership appointments that will provide more creative, complete solutions for the company’s customers and partners and create better opportunities to address their evolving needs.
“Today’s announcement marks an important chapter for the company. These new executive leadership appointments better position us now and in the future as a leading global insurer and will help us capitalize on opportunities across our businesses,” said Long. “I continue to be extremely proud of the commitment shown by our employees and leadership to accelerate innovation, prioritize digital-first and data-driven results and harness our full resources to provide excellent service to our customers around the world.”
Effective July 1, new executive leadership appointments include:
Tim Sweeney is named President, Liberty Mutual. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s three business units (Global Risk Solutions, Global Retail Markets, Liberty Mutual Investments) and will report to Long. Sweeney was previously President, Global Retail Markets.
Neeti Bhalla Johnson is named President, Global Risk Solutions. She will be responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial and specialty insurance business unit and will report to Sweeney. Bhalla Johnson was previously President and Chief Investment Officer, Liberty Mutual Investments.
Jim MacPhee is named President, Global Retail Markets. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s retail insurance business unit and will report to Sweeney. MacPhee was previously President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Retail Markets – U.S.
Vlad Barbalat is named President and Chief Investment Officer, Liberty Mutual Investments. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s investments business unit and will report to Sweeney. Barbalat was previously Executive Managing Director and Co-Head of Strategy & Asset Allocation, Liberty Mutual Investments.
New Liberty Mutual Insurance executive appointments include (L-R) Tim Sweeney, Neeti Bhalla Johnson, Jim MacPhee and Vlad Barbalat.
President, Global Risk Solutions Dennis Langwell Announces Retirement
The company’s President, Global Risk Solutions Dennis Langwell also announced he will retire at the end of 2021. Langwell held multiple leadership roles during his notable 26-year career at Liberty Mutual and will serve in an advisory capacity as Vice Chairman, Liberty Mutual Insurance Operations until the end of the year, reporting to Long.
“I’d like to thank Dennis for the extraordinary contributions he’s made at the company and in the industry over his remarkable career,” said Long. “Not only did Dennis lead tremendous growth for Liberty Mutual during numerous roles and across multiple functions, he’s also been instrumental in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts as a champion for our Employee Resource Groups. I am personally grateful for his counsel and friendship and we wish him the very best.”
“It’s been a true honor to be part of Liberty Mutual for over 25 years and I’m very proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together,” said Langwell. “I highly respect the extensive business and leadership experience that Neeti brings to the executive team and Global Risk Solutions. Liberty Mutual continues to be a global leader in the industry and has a great future ahead.”
Zurich accelerates roll-out of digital offering, announces key leadership appointments and new Executive Committee members
Zurich accelerates development of digital services, creating a new unit to attract additional customers and meet their rapidly changing needs
Jack Howell, CEO Asia Pacific (APAC), to lead the new Global Business Platforms unit focusing on digital services
Ericson Chan, CEO Ping An Technology, to take up position of Group Chief Information and Digital Officer in October to speed digital transformation and develop technology solutions for the new ventures
Kathleen Savio, CEO North America, transitions to new role of Group Chief Transformation Officer to enhance business and cultural change
New CEOs line up for regions: Tulsi Naidu in APAC, Laurence Maurice in Latin America and Kristof Terryn in North America
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is ramping up the transformation of its global business to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers, launching a new unit to expand digital services worldwide and create a more intimate connection with its customers and partners.
The Global Business Platforms unit will be headed by current APAC CEO Jack Howell as of Jan. 1, 2021. Over the last four years, Mr. Howell has expanded and transformed the business in APAC and advanced Group innovation by focusing on customer needs. He has demonstrated vision and the ability to translate this into innovative services.
Ericson Chan will spearhead the planning, development and operation of the technology functions and online ecosystems as the newly appointed Group Chief Information and Digital Officer. Mr. Chan is currently CEO of Ping An Technology.
Group CEO Mario Greco said: “This is a groundbreaking step in reaching our goal of becoming our customers’ preferred insurer. As lifestyles change globally, consumers seek personalized, convenient and transparent interactions. Zurich continues to launch innovative offerings to meet the demands of our customers and partners for a fully digital and streamlined experience.”
“Beyond the younger generations who have long valued the convenience of online services, demand has broadened significantly in recent months throughout our customer base. Jack has significant experience in insurance and is skilled at launching innovative products and services, and Ericson brings a passion for fintech and using emerging technology to deliver what people want. This is the perfect combination to bring extra momentum to our customer-led strategy.”
Mr. Howell has a proven record of leading people, driving change and transforming businesses. Since joining Zurich in September 2016, he has successfully grown our presence in APAC, establishing sustainable positions in key markets.
During his four years as CEO of Ping An Technology, Mr. Chan helped to transform the Ping An Group’s business model and online ecosystems through digital services including a range of financial products and platforms.
Between 1998 and 2016, Mr. Chan held several technology leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Achievements include the development of a disruptive mobile banking platform and innovative services in 22 countries. He also has six years of healthtech experience gained in the U.S.
Mr. Chan joins Zurich on Oct. 1, 2020, as a member of the Group Executive Committee. His remit will also include responsibility for all of Zurich’s IT operations and services.
Acceleration of cultural transformation
To support the execution of a successful Group-wide transformation, Zurich is appointing Kathleen Savio, currently CEO North America, to the newly created role of Group Chief Transformation Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2021.
After successfully repositioning the business in North America and increasing its strength and resilience, Ms. Savio will be responsible for accelerating business organization and governance, further developing the cultural transformation across Zurich and ensuring the Group effectively delivers on its commitments. This includes the evolution towards a sustainable, purpose-driven company.
New regional leaders
Following these appointments, Zurich today is also announcing changes in its regional leadership. New CEOs have been appointed in Latin America (LatAm) effective Oct. 1, 2020, and in the North America and APAC regions, effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Kristof Terryn will succeed Ms. Savio as CEO North America. He joined the Group in 2004 and became Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2016 following roles including head of Global Life and General Insurance. As COO, Mr. Terryn streamlined the Group’s operations by reducing complexity and risk, enhanced network stability and quality, facilitated the integration of new technologies and drove an industry-leading simplification program. Prior to joining Zurich, Mr. Terryn was based in the U.S. for eight years.
Tulsi Naidu will take over as CEO APAC. She has been Zurich’s CEO in the UK since 2016. As UK CEO, Ms. Naidu has reshaped and simplified the business, improved technical and digital capabilities and strengthened the team, resulting in Zurich’s UK business returning to strong growth with improved profitability and high customer, distributor and employee satisfaction.
Laurence Maurice joins Zurich as CEO LatAm. Ms. Maurice has extensive experience in the industry, including seven years as Chief Financial Officer of a leading European insurer’s Brazilian and South American operations and most recently as the company’s CEO Spain and Southern Europe.
Ms. Maurice succeeds Claudia Dill, who for personal reasons has decided to step down from the role and will be leaving the company as of today.
Diversity of experience and backgrounds
“On behalf of all my colleagues at Zurich,” Mario Greco said, “I would like to thank Claudia for her valuable contribution to Zurich’s success over the past years. I am delighted to welcome Ericson, Laurence and Tulsi to the Executive Committee. Their diversity of backgrounds and cultures further strengthens our ability to lead the transformation of insurance.”
Following the appointments announced today, the Zurich Group Executive Committee as of Jan. 1, 2021, will comprise:
Chief Executive Officer: Mario Greco
Chief Investment Officer: Urban Angehrn
Chief Information and Digital Officer: Ericson Chan
CEO Farmers Group: Jeff Dailey
Chief Risk Officer: Peter Giger
CEO Global Business Platforms: Jack Howell
CEO EMEA & Bank Distribution: Alison Martin
CEO LatAm: Laurence Maurice
CEO APAC: Tulsi Naidu
Chief Financial Officer: George Quinn
CEO Commercial Insurance: James Shea
CEO North America: Kristof Terryn
The new appointments to the Executive Committee are subject to regulatory approval.
New Group General Counsel
In addition, Zurich has appointed Katja Roth Pellanda as new Group General Counsel to lead the legal team, effective Oct. 1, 2020. Ms. Roth Pellanda joined Zurich from Novartis as Deputy Group General Counsel in April.
She succeeds Yannick Hausmann, who after 12 years in the role has decided to transition to new professional activities. He has accepted to remain engaged with the company as a Senior Advisor to the Group CEO, providing his broad experience on regulatory and governance issues. Mr. Hausmann will maintain his current external engagements and key board memberships of companies in the Zurich Group. The company wishes him great success.