AllianzGI appoints global head of operations

Global investment manager Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI) has appointed Johannes Elsner as its new head of operations.

Johannes will lead the firm’s global investment operations, fund and distribution operations and business operations transformation. He will report to Steffen Lanzinner, chief technology officer, who recently expanded his remit to include responsibility for operations as part of his role on AllianzGI’s executive committee.

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Johannes recently served as group chief operating and transformation officer at Universal Investment Group. Before that, he held several roles at ERGO Technology & Services Management, including group chief information officer and member of the board of directors. His career began at McKinsey & Company in 2006, where he became leader of the German asset management practice and managing partner of the firm’s Munich office in 2014.

Steffen Lanzinner, CTO and member of AllianzGI’s executive committee, commented: “Having the right data, technology and operations set up is crucial to the day-to-day running of our business and delivering the exceptional service that clients expect from a partner of our scale, heritage and experience. I am excited to welcome Johannes as our new Head of Operations and look forward to collaborating with him as we further enhance our operational excellence. Joining us with a strong track record in managing day-to-day operations and technological transformations within the insurance and wider financial services sector, Johannes’ arrival is further proof that AllianzGI is a home for some of the top talent in our sector”.