Allianz

Philipp Kroetz will become CEO of Allianz Partners on November 1, 2026, while Laurent Floquet will simultaneously take over the leadership of Allianz Direct; both moves are subject to regulatory approvals. Kroetz joins from Allianz Direct, where he significantly expanded the customer base in five markets. Floquet served as COO of Allianz Partners and was responsible, among other things, for automation and AI applications. The reshuffle underscores the group’s strategy to more closely integrate digital offerings and international service networks and emphasizes personnel continuity. From an investor perspective, the internal appointments are seen as a positive signal, without expectations of large short-term share price movements. » More on deraktionaer.de

Thomas Lillelund of Allianz Commercial warns that artificial intelligence can create cumulative risks that may not be fully covered by insurance. For large-scale damages he calls for public-private solutions and partnerships; at the same time Allianz Commercial has set up its own centre to analyse AI-related losses. Lillelund says AI is changing corporate risk directly, indirectly and by amplifying existing hazards, and could in future require its own insurance line. Allianz itself uses AI to increase efficiency and aims to grow internationally in the specialty risk business. » More on handelsblatt.com

The Allianz share has recovered only marginally after a weekly loss of around five percent and remains well below the September high. Investors and analysts are watching the ongoing share buyback program (up to €2.5bn) and speculation about a possible takeover of the British roadside assistance firm AA as supporting factors. Analysts remain divided: DZ Bank confirms a buy recommendation and raises its price target, while Barclays stays skeptical because of weak earnings prospects. Further price action will likely depend largely on progress in the AA transaction and on earnings signals in the sector. » More on finanzen.net