Iván de la Sota, who has been with Allianz for 27 years, has been appointed to the firm’s board of management as chief business transformation officer.

The role will see the Allianz veteran head the new board of management division, which is responsible for business model transformation and innovation in response to what the insurer described as growing expectations regarding intuitive digital solutions. De la Sota’s appointment is effective starting April 01 of this year until the end of 2020. 

“By introducing this board function, Allianz emphasises the importance of developing future-ready business models,” said Michael Diekmann, chair of Allianz’s supervisory board. “Iván de la Sota has mastered such challenges several times before and has the capabilities to continue this on the group level.”

De la Sota served as chief executive of Allianz Spain for four years before being named head of the Iberian and Latin American region in 2015. He was referred to by Allianz boss Oliver Bäte as a CEO with a proven track record in implementing fundamental changes in retail business models.

“Additionally, he understands how to increase productivity and customer satisfaction while keeping employees engaged,” said Bäte. “He will be able to build on the strong foundation laid by Solmaz Altin, who as chief digital officer implemented our digital agenda over the last two years.”