Insurance and reinsurance broker Aon has announced a new leadership and governance structure for its Reinsurance Solutions business in Germany, effective October 1, 2026.
Under the new structure, Phillip Esser has been appointed CEO of Reinsurance Solutions in Germany, based in Hamburg, while Volker Wahl will become Executive Chairman of Reinsurance Solutions.
Esser brings extensive reinsurance experience, strong client relationships and deep knowledge of the market to the role.
In his new position, the executive is set to drive the company’s strategic evolution in Germany from its established foundation, focusing on enhancing client value, accelerating growth, and fostering collaboration across the firm’s integrated capabilities.
Wahl brings 36 years of reinsurance industry experience, including almost 25 years at Aon, together with deep market expertise and senior leadership support as the business enters its next phase.
In his new role, he will work closely with Esser and the firm’s management team in Germany to strengthen client relationships, support talent development and help accelerate growth across the business.
These appointments reinforce Aon’s continuity in the country by offering clients integrated access to treaty, facultative, analytics, and advisory capabilities through a streamlined operating model.
The broker states that these enhancements are part of a planned succession process following the announcement of Jan-Oliver Thofern’s planned retirement on January 1, 2027, after 30 years with the broking group. Thofern will serve as an Advisor to Esser through late 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
As part of this evolution, Aon will establish a Board of Reinsurance for Germany, further strengthening the governance and leadership structure of the business.
Esser, Tomas Novotny, Alexander Partmann, Arno Achterberg, Andreas Froehlich, Stephan Schuetzeck, and Wahl are appointed to the Board.
Novotny, Chairman International and CEO of EMEA, Reinsurance Solutions, Aon, stated: “Jan-Oliver has made an outstanding contribution to Aon over more than three decades and played a central role in establishing our firm as a leading reinsurance platform in Germany.
“This transition reflects the strength of our internal talent and demonstrates the depth of leadership we have built within our business. Phillip brings deep market expertise, strong client relationships and proven leadership capabilities which will help guide the business through its next phase.”
Adding: “Meanwhile Volker will add valuable strategic oversight and senior market experience. With the new Board of Reinsurance for Germany, this leadership model gives us the depth, continuity and governance needed to support clients over the long term.”
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