HDI Global, the corporate and specialty insurance division of Germany-based Talanx Group, has announced the appointment of Thomas Kropp as COO/CIO, who will be succeeding Dr. Thomas Kuhnt.
According to the announcement, Dr. Kuhnt will step down from the Executive Board on 30 June 2026 at his own request and following a joint agreement, in order to take up a new professional opportunity outside the Talanx Group.
HDI Global will adjust responsibilities on the Executive Board in line with the corporate strategy Xcelerate29.
Torsten Leue, Chief Executive Officer of Talanx AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HDI Global SE, commented: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Thomas Kropp and look forward to working with him in this strategically important area.
“At the same time, I would like to thank Thomas Kuhnt for his outstanding commitment over many years. Together with the Executive Board, he has set key strategic directions that have positioned HDI Global as a leading international Corporate & Specialty insurer.”
As part of the board transition, the former portfolio held by Dr. Kuhnt will be reshaped under Kropp, an experienced executive with over two decades of global leadership experience in insurance and technology sectors, into a focused COO/CIO responsibility.
This move reflects the central importance of high-performing IT and efficient processes as a prerequisite for continuing to support clients and brokers as their preferred partner in transformation.
Kropp has previously held a number of senior roles where he has been responsible for global IT, infrastructure and operations units at leading international companies, with professional assignments in the United States, Asia and Europe.
A key focus of his work has been the further development of international operating models as well as the sustainable scaling of processes and technologies in complex organisations.
“With Thomas Kropp, we are gaining an experienced leader who has successfully delivered operational transformations in globally organised companies,” said Dr Edgar Puls, Chief Executive Officer of HDI Global SE and Member of the Executive Board of Talanx AG responsible for the Corporate & Specialty division. “His extensive expertise will help to further strengthen our structures and processes across countries and to sustainably enhance the technological foundation of our business.”
Kropp commented: “HDI Global has shown strong development in recent years – strategically, financially and in digitalisation. What convinced me was the combination of corporate culture, momentum and high performance. Together with teams around the world, I want to build on this and consistently advance the digital transformation, with a clear focus on added value for our clients and brokers.”
Effective July 1. 2026, further Executive Board responsibilities will be redefined, which will take place in line with the corporate strategy Xcelerate29, prioritising excellence in the core business.
The strategic focus area of AI will be anchored within the remit of the CEO, underlining the central relevance of data-driven technologies. This will be reflected in the consolidation of the AI unit under Dr Puls.
Dr. Renate Strasser will retain Specialty business with the addition of Pricing & Analytics – previously overseen by Dr Kuhnt -, Guidance, and the global Accident & Health business 0- which is now fully part of the Specialty segment.
Responsibility for the strategic focus market USA will be assumed by Dr Mukadder Erdönmez from Dr Strasser, in addition to his existing responsibilities for Liability and Cyber insurance as well as Motor Fleet insurance.
Dr. Dirk Höring will be adding Services to his existing responsibilities, which include Property, Engineering, Marine and HDI Risk Consulting. David Hullin, Executive Board member responsible for the international regions (excluding Germany and the USA), will assume responsibility for International Programmes in addition to his current duties.
At the same time, Dr. Barbara Klimaszewski-Blettner will be responsible for Austria and Switzerland to create a unified DACH region alongside her German business.
In addition to her responsibility for Global Claims management, Dr Klimaszewski-Blettner will also assume responsibility for the People & Culture unit from Dr Puls.
Dr. Stefan Pasternak’s responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer will remain unchanged.
Dr. Edgar Puls said: “The new allocation of responsibilities is in line with our focus on excellence and ensures clear conditions for continued profitable growth and long-term stability. At the same time, we are committed to our services and taking them to the next level, with the ambition of supporting clients and brokers effectively as a reliable partner.”
