AGCS global leader of financial lines leaving – replacement unveiled

Shanil Williams is the new global head of financial lines at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS).

Based in Munich, the 39-year-old assumed the position on November 15 to succeed Bernard Poncin who is leaving Allianz Group to pursue external opportunities. Poncin, whose credentials include 15 years with Zurich as well as time spent at AIG and Chubb, has held the role since 2012.

“I would like to thank Bernard for all his work on behalf of AGCS over the last seven years,” commented chief underwriting officer corporate, Thomas Sepp. “Under his leadership, this key line of business has experienced growth in areas such as cyber and expanded its footprint in Asia and in North America to be truly global.

“I look forward to working with Shanil and the rest of the financial lines team to continue to build on this, both now and in the future.”

Williams, a 14-year AIG veteran, came onboard AGCS in 2016 as New Zealand country manager. Last year the University of Canterbury alumnus relocated to Germany to serve as global head of commercial for financial lines.