Allianz Commercial Appoints New Leadership
Allianz Commercial has announced the appointment of Lara Martiner as the Global Head of Alternative Risk Transfer at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS), with her tenure commencing on April 1, 2025. She will be succeeding Grant Maxwell, who will depart from the German insurer by the end of June.
Maxwell, who has been a significant leader for the past five years, has chosen to step down, allowing Martiner to continue steering the company’s strategic growth. During her extensive tenure of nearly 17 years with Allianz Group, Maxwell has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory.
Alternative Risk Transfer is earmarked as a strategic growth sector for Allianz Commercial, with a rising interest from clients eager to augment their traditional risk transfer strategies with innovative, non-conventional solutions. In 2024, this unit successfully underwrote over €2 billion in gross written premiums, including fronting premiums.
- Non-traditional risk transfer solutions are witnessing a surge in demand, particularly in areas like structured insurance, captive fronting, and bespoke risk solutions, such as parametrics and sustainable options.
Martiner’s journey with Allianz began in 2011 when she joined as a Legal Counsel and Head of Compliance in Zurich. Over the years, she has climbed the ranks, assuming various senior roles within AGCS and the Alternative Risk Transfer organization. Notably, she joined the executive board of Allianz Risk Transfer AG in October 2021, and a year ago, she became the Chief Executive and General Counsel.
Vanessa Maxwell, the Chief Underwriting Officer at Allianz Commercial, commented on Martiner’s appointment, stating: “Congratulations to Lara on her appointment to this key role in our business. I anticipate working closely with her to further our growth in the Alternative Risk Transfer sector. Her leadership will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and expertise, benefiting our broader business scope. I also extend my gratitude to Grant for his competent and impactful leadership over the years.”
