Allianz has named new chief executives at two of its digital-focused businesses. Philipp Kroetz moves from Allianz Direct to lead Allianz Partners, and Laurent Floquet, currently chief operating officer of Allianz Partners, will lead Allianz Direct.
The insurer announced the changes from Munich on October 1. Kroetz, 46, becomes CEO of Allianz Partners on November 1, 2026, succeeding Tomas Kunzmann. Floquet, 49, will take over Allianz Direct from Kroetz on the same date.
Allianz said all of the appointments are subject to regulatory approval, and that they were timed and sequenced to ensure smooth handovers. A successor to Floquet as chief operating officer will be announced in due course.
The company said the moves underscore its strategic advantage in fast-growing digital and cross-border insurance across motor, home, travel, assistance and health.
"As we bring our businesses closer together and centre them around our customers, we can not only reimagine customer journeys but also create stronger connections between our people and leaders," said Sirma Boshnakova, the member of the Allianz SE Board of Management responsible for Insurance Western & Southern Europe, Allianz Direct and Allianz Partners.
"Philipp and Laurent have both demonstrated how the right digital insurance models can create meaningful, differentiated value for our customers as well as for our shareholders," Boshnakova said.
Allianz said Kroetz, Floquet and Kunzmann have all been integral to its Connected Platforms concept, which it describes as a combination of AI-enabled technology and real-world global service networks.
The two businesses reach customers in different ways. Allianz Partners sells travel insurance, assistance and international health cover largely through business partners and intermediaries. Allianz Direct sells property and casualty insurance direct to consumers. For intermediaries, the change at Allianz Partners is the one most likely to be felt.
Kroetz has led Allianz Direct, the insurer's European direct property and casualty business, since January 2022. Allianz said he nearly doubled its customer base to more than 3.2 million across five European markets, and that its customer rating rose from 4.4 to 4.6 stars.
In 2025, total business volume exceeded €1.5 billion, up 23% year on year, at a 95% combined ratio, Allianz said. The company pointed to AI-powered claims settlement within 60 seconds and indicative pricing through ChatGPT.
Kroetz joined Allianz from McKinsey & Company in 2011 and spent 10 years at Allianz Partners. Allianz said he served as regional CEO for the German-speaking countries, and in 2019 became chief transformation officer and a member of the board of management.
Floquet has been chief operating officer of Allianz Partners since January 2025. Allianz said he oversaw AI voice agents and automated claims handling across roadside assistance, travel and medical cases. He was previously the board member responsible for the assistance business.
He joined Allianz in 2014 as head of business development for Allianz Technology. He later served as regional CEO for the DACH and Eastern European markets from 2019 to 2021, and became chief officer for Mobility & Assistance in 2022. Before joining Allianz, he spent more than 10 years at Accenture as a partner focused on the insurance industry.
The changes follow board moves announced earlier this year. In March, Allianz said Kunzmann would join the Allianz SE Board of Management on January 1, 2027, taking responsibility for Asia Pacific, including India. Kunzmann has led Allianz Partners since July 1, 2022.
Klaus-Peter Röhler is leaving the board on December 31, 2026, after reaching the age limit, Allianz said.
In July, Allianz said Kunzmann would also take on Global Health and Sustainability (ESG), following an agreement that Günther Thallinger's term would end on December 31, 2026. The board will shrink from nine to eight members.
