VIG Re, the reinsurance arm of Prague-domiciled Vienna Insurance Group, has appointed Ivana Jurčíková, a current Board member, to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Wolfgang Hajek joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 1st, January 2025.
VIG Re’s current Board of Management includes Tobias Sonndorfer as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jurčíková as COO, Stephan Wirz as the Chief Business Officer, and Hajek as the CFO.
The new appointments align with the reinsurer’s plans to efficiently enhance its strategic direction and operations.
In her new role, Jurčíková will lead VIG Re’s digital transformation initiatives, aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer service. She has served as a Member of the Board of Management of VIG Re since September 2016.
Jurčíková’s long tenure with VIG Re and proven track record in executive management roles at companies such as Citibank and AXA Bank Europe, position her as a strong leader for the role, explained VIG Re.
Jurčíková stated, “I am honoured to take on the role of COO and lead VIG Re’s digital transformation. By embracing technology and innovation, we will enhance our efficiency and customer experience, strengthen our market position, and deliver excellent service to our clients and partners.”
Hajek, as CFO, brings deep expertise in insurance, corporate finance, and asset management. In his new role, Hajek will manage and oversee all financial dimensions of VIG Re, including financial planning, economic, and regulatory balance sheet management.
Within Vienna Insurance Group, he has held several positions, including serving as CFO at Asigurarea Romaneasa Asirom since 2019, being a member of the Supervisory Board at Ubezpieczenia w Wiener TU and holding roles as a Member of the Management Board at VIG Asset Management, and Deputy Head of the Affiliated Companies Department.
Hajek added, “I am excited to join VIG Re and contribute to its future success and growth strategy. Collaborating with such a talented team presents an incredible opportunity to build on the foundations already established, and I very much look forward to mutually developing and leveraging our joint regional and group-wide expertise to continue and drive financial performance as well as strategic growth.”
Sonndorfer commented on the appointments, “We are excited to welcome Wolfgang to our Board and to see Ivana taking on the newly established role as COO. These changes reflect our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving sustainable growth.”
Dr. Peter Thirring, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VIG Re, added, “The appointments of Wolfgang Hajek as CFO and Ivana Jurčíková as COO represent a significant step forward in VIG Re’s strategic development.
“Hajek’s financial acumen and Ms. Jurčíková’s proven leadership will play a vital role in guiding VIG Re’s future growth and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
