HDI Global, the corporate and specialty insurance arm of Germany’s Talanx Group, announced the appointment of Thomas Kropp as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Information Officer, succeeding Dr. Thomas Kuhnt.
According to the announcement, Dr. Kuhnt, at his own request and subject to a joint agreement, will resign from the Executive Board on June 30, 2026 in order to pursue new career opportunities outside the Talanx Group.
HDI Global will align its Executive Board responsibilities with the company’s strategy, Xcelerate29.
Torsten Leue, CEO of Talanx AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HDI Global SE, said: “I warmly welcome 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 contribution over the years. Together with the Executive Board, he has set the key strategic directions that have made HDI Global a leading international business and specialty insurance company.”
As part of the Board transition, the former portfolio held by Dr. Kuhnt will be reorganized under the leadership of Kropp, a seasoned executive with more than two decades of global leadership experience in the insurance and technology sectors, primarily in the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Chief Information Officer (CIO) responsibilities.
This move reflects the core importance of high-performance IT and efficient processes, which are prerequisites for continuing to support clients and brokers as the preferred partner for transformation.
Kropp previously held several senior positions with responsibility for global IT, infrastructure and operations for leading international companies, with professional work in the United States, Asia and Europe.
The focus of his work is the further development of international operating models and the sustainable expansion of processes and technologies in complex organizations.
“Thomas Kropp is an experienced leader who has successfully implemented operational transformations for companies in global organizations,” said Dr. Edgar Puls, CEO of HDI Global SE and member of the Executive Board responsible for the Corporate & Professional divisions of Talanx AG. “His broad expertise will help to further strengthen our structures and processes in each country and to sustainably enhance the technological foundation of our business.”
Kropp commented: “HDI Global has shown strong growth in recent years, both strategically, financially and digitally. What convinced me was the combination of culture, drive and high performance. Together with teams around the world, I hope to build on this foundation with continued digital transformation, with a clear focus on adding value to our clients and brokers.”
Effective July 1, 2026, the further responsibilities of the Executive Board will be redefined, in line with the company strategy Xcelerate29, prioritizing excellence in the core business.
The strategic focus area of artificial intelligence will be owned by the CEO, emphasizing the core relevance of data-driven technology. This will be reflected in the consolidation of the Artificial Intelligence Division under Dr. Puls.
Dr. Renate Strasser will retain the Professional practice and add Pricing & Analytics (previously led by Dr. Kuhnt), Directing and Global Accident and Health0 (now fully part of the Professional practice).
In addition to his existing responsibilities for liability and cyber insurance and fleet insurance, Strasser’s Dr. Mukadder Erdönmez will be responsible for the strategic focus market in the United States.
Dr. Dirk Höring will add to his existing responsibilities, which include real estate, engineering, maritime and HDI risk consulting. David Hullin is member of the Executive Board responsible for the international region (excluding Germany and the United States) and will be responsible for international projects in addition to his current responsibilities.
At the same time, Dr. Barbara Klimaszewski-Blettner will be responsible for creating a unified DACH region for Austria and Switzerland together with its German operations.
In addition to being responsible for global claims management, Dr. Klimaszewski-Blettner will be responsible for Dr. Puls’ people and culture functions.
Dr. Stefan Pasternak’s responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer will remain unchanged.
Dr. Edgar Pouls 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 goal of providing effective support to clients and brokers as a reliable partner.”