Darren Smart appointed Global Head of Construction at Allianz Commercial

Darren Smart joins Allianz Commercial from Liberty Specialty Markets.New set-up in two stand-alone lines of business – Natural Resources and Construction.Max Benz who previously oversaw the combined Energy & Construction portfolio is moving to a new leadership role in Allianz Risk Consulting

 Allianz Commercial confirms a key appointment to its global Specialty leadership team. In March 2024, Darren Smart will join Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE as Allianz Commercial’s Global Head of Construction, reporting to Global Head of Specialty, Gordon Browne. Smart will be based in London, and joins from Liberty Specialty Markets, where he is currently Global Construction Practice Leader. His appointment follows on from the announcement earlier this year, establishing Natural Resources (led by Anthony Vassallo) and Construction as two separate Lines of Business (LoB) going forward. Until Smart joins next year, Gordon Browne will continue to oversee this part of the business, working together with the existing leadership team.

Max Benz who was previously Global LoB Head for the combined Energy & Construction business moves to Allianz Risk Consulting (ARC). In a new senior role within the Advisory Services team, he will focus on how to deliver optimum value and benefit to both underwriting teams and to clients.

Darren is returning to Allianz where he started his underwriting career as an underwriter at Allianz Cornhill (Allianz UK), before working at Trans Re as Assistant Vice President. He joined Liberty Specialty Markets in 2007 as Construction Regional Product Line Manager for EMEA, before later taking on his current Global Construction Practice Leader role in 2016.

Gordon Browne, Global Head of Specialty, notes: “I am delighted to welcome Darren back to Allianz in this global role, leading Construction for Allianz Commercial. His deep expertise and knowledge of the industry, combined with a global focus and approach will bring significant value and enable us to drive forward our growth ambitions for this important part of our business.”

Authored by Allianz