Allianz Global Investors, one of the world’s leading active investment managers, announced today leadership changes that will take effect on 1 January 2020 as part of the firm’s succession plan.

Key takeaways

Andreas Utermann to retire as CEO as part of succession plan to take effect 1 January 2020
Tobias C. Pross to take over as CEO of AllianzGI
Deborah Zurkow to become Global Head of Investments

Planned leadership changes at AllianzGI. Tobias Pross to become CEO, Deborah Zurkow to become Global Head of Investments https://t.co/iaYFi4jHCW pic.twitter.com/KIBvtStmOQ

— AllianzGl (@AllianzGI_view) November 11, 2019

Allianz Global Investors, one of the world’s leading active investment managers, announced today leadership changes that will take effect on 1 January 2020 as part of the firm’s succession plan.

Tobias C. Pross, currently Global Head of Distribution, and Deborah Zurkow, currently Global Head of Alternatives, will succeed Andreas Utermann as CEO and Global Head of Investments, respectively. Andreas Utermann will be available to the leadership of the firm on an advisory basis for the first six months of 2020.

Andreas joined Allianz in 2002, initially to help build a world class multi-boutique investment organisation. Since 2012, he has led AllianzGI – first as co-head and Global CIO and since 2016 as CEO – establishing a globally integrated investment firm dedicated to active management. Under Andreas Utermann’s leadership, AllianzGI has built out its Fixed Income and Alternatives platforms, strengthened its advisory capabilities and established itself as a leader in Sustainable investing.

With over 20 years of experience within Allianz Group, Tobias C. Pross has been instrumental in the development of AllianzGI’s client-centric business strategy, which has seen it enter into and strengthen a number of its distribution channels and place a strong emphasis on advice and superior client experience. He has been a member of AllianzGI’s Global Executive Committee since 2015.

Since joining AllianzGI in 2012, initially to establish its Infrastructure Debt capability, Deborah Zurkow has overseen the rapid growth of its Alternatives platform, which now accounts for over EUR 80bn in assets under management. She has championed the opportunity for institutional clients to co-invest alongside Allianz in a number of AllianzGI’s private market strategies. Deborah has been a member of AllianzGI’s Global Executive Committee since 2016.

Commenting on the succession, Andreas Utermann said:

“Leaving AllianzGI will not be easy. Having had the opportunity to work alongside so many talented and engaging people, to develop and lead a strong team and to build a respected global investment business, is a source of great pride. It is therefore comforting to be able to pass on the leadership of the firm to Tobias and Deborah, both of whom have the energy, insight and values to develop further AllianzGI’s offering and reputation.”

Jackie Hunt, member of the Allianz Board of Management with responsibility for asset management, commented:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andreas for the passion, care and clear-sightedness he has brought to the development of AllianzGI over many years. He will be missed. He hands over the leadership of the firm to individuals who are well placed to make the best of the options available to AllianzGI to continue to serve clients well in a period of change within the industry. I wish Andreas well and look forward to working more closely with Tobias and Deborah from 2020.”

Source: Allianz Global Investors