Allianz Commercial is restructuring its Board at the start of 2026, rolling out appointments aimed at sharpening distribution and market engagement.
The insurer said the changes will give Board-level visibility to client, broker, and regional growth priorities across its international footprint.
Jeremy Sharpe, currently Global Head of Distribution, will join the Board of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE, the legal entity behind Allianz Commercial, as Chief Distribution Officer.
His remit covers client and broker management, sales, marketing, distribution strategy, and oversight of the multinational insurance portfolio.
His appointment follows a broader refresh of the distribution team, with Elke Vagenende recently named Chief Client Officer (Global), Tom Leonard as Global Head of Broker Management, and Patrick Thiels as Chief Client Officer (EMEA).
Jeremy Sharpe joined Allianz in 2021 from AIG, where he was Head of Broker Engagement – International.
Before that he spent 13 years at HSBC, ending as Global Head of Insurable Risk Management, and earlier worked in international broking at HSBC Insurance Brokers, Glenrand, and C.E. Heath.
On the regional side, Allianz will split responsibilities across three “President, Commercial” roles. Christian Sandric, now Regional Managing Director for Asia, steps up as President, Commercial, Asia Pacific and joins the Board.
He will remain based in Singapore. Leadership for the U.K. and EMEA markets will be confirmed later, with interim oversight handled directly by CEO Thomas Lillelund, Chief Claims Officer Thomas Sepp, and Sharpe.
The changes replace the Chief Regions Officer, International role, currently held by Dirk Vogler, who will move into a senior Allianz Group position later this year.
Christian Sandric joined Allianz in 2023 to launch Allianz Commercial in Asia. Before that he was President & CEO of AIG Singapore and Regional Manager across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
With over 26 years in insurance, he has held senior posts across the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Asia.
Shanil Williams will continue as President, Commercial, Americas, retaining his Board role.
“These appointments reinforce our commitment to deliver ‘one face to market’ and the best possible service for customers in all markets,” Lillelund said.
Board-level attention for each of these markets and for Distribution will ensure we are close and highly responsive to our customers, whether large multinationals, national businesses, brokers, or MGAs.
CEO Thomas Lillelund
All appointments remain subject to regulatory approval.
