Changes in Employment and Leadership Roles on September 1, 2025
Aviva Investors has made two significant appointments to their Global Fixed Income team. Anna Chong has been named Sector Lead, while Michalis Ditsas takes on the role of Senior Investment Director, both based in London. Anna Chong joins from Federated Hermes, where she held the role of Head of Corporate Credit Research, and will lead Fixed Income's Resources, Industrials & Infrastructure hub and manage Aviva Investor's Fixed Income Early Careers program.
In another major move, Nikita Tikhonov has been appointed as the new Head of Marine Global Risk at HDI Global, effective 1 September. Tikhonov, who started his career as a Marine and Property underwriter in Russia, will be based in the Hannover headquarter of HDI Global. He was initially responsible for establishing and developing a new portfolio in Marine Cargo as well as Accident & Health insurance. In his current position as a Global Risk underwriter, Tikhonov builds on his expertise, supporting local underwriters in HDI Global Branch offices all over the world in developing their Automotive portfolio.
Nikita Tikhonov is not the only one making moves at HDI Global. Nikita will oversee a team of five professionals working on HDI Global's value proposition in Marine. Olivia Taylor joins the team as Associate. She brings 4+ years' broking experience working for Praden Pty Limited in Sydney.
Meanwhile, at Allianz Trade, there have been several key appointments to the board of management for the Northern Europe region. Benoit Semelin has been appointed as Regional CFAO, Sorina Eremia as Regional Credit Director, and Craig Ironside as Regional Commercial Director. Benoit Semelin has been with Allianz Trade for 22 years, starting as Controlling Manager for Allianz Trade's French entity in 2003, and will now be based in Brussels as Regional CFAO. Sorina Eremia has been with Allianz Trade since 2006 and has led underwriting teams across various regions. In her new role, she is responsible for driving Allianz Trade's credit segment strategy and success across Northern Europe. Craig Ironside has held a range of commercial leadership roles at Allianz Trade since 1999 and returns to the UK to oversee growth of commercial functions across the NEUR region.
Elsewhere, Felix Cassau, who was the previous Head of Marine Global Risk at HDI Global, has chosen to take on new challenges at Hannover Re. In the world of AI video privacy and analytics, Kelly Richdale has been appointed as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at Pimloc. She brings over 25 years of leadership at the intersection of technology innovation, cybersecurity, and compliance.
Marsh has announced the appointments of Brian Glod as Global Head of Aviation and Space and Tony Ambrose as Global Chairman of Aviation and Space, effective September 1. Brian Glod will join Marsh's Global Specialty Executive Committee and report to Andrew George, President of Marsh Specialty. Tony Ambrose is based in London and will report to Dominic Samengo-Turner, CEO, Marsh Specialty, UK and Brian Glod.
Lastly, Consilium has announced the appointments of two new associates in its Professional and Executive Risk Solutions division. Michael Harte joins as Associate Partner, bringing with him 11+ years' experience. Rinki Melwani has been appointed as partner at Insurance Advisory Partners (IAP), effective 25 August subject to regulatory approval. She brings extensive experience in investment banking, equity research, and corporate banking.
In the communications sector, Corinne Woods has joined the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as Director of Communications. She previously led communications at the World Bank Group for three years.
Jenny Han has been promoted to the role of Focus Group Leader, Environmental Liability, at Beazley, the leading specialty insurer. She has accumulated 22 years of experience in the environmental insurance space.
These appointments mark significant changes and growth within the insurance and finance sectors, as industry leaders take on new challenges and fresh talent joins established teams.
