He is set to join the team next year, moving from Liberty Specialty Markets
By Mika Pangilinan
Sep 20, 2023 ShareAllianz Commercial is expanding its global specialty leadership team and has named Darren Smart (pictured) as global head of construction at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE.
Smart currently serves as global construction practice leader at Liberty Specialty Markets. He is set to join Allianz by March 2024 and will be based in London for his new role, reporting to global head of specialty Gordon Browne.
This appointment follows Allianz’s decision to establish natural resources and construction as two separate lines of business (LoB).
Anthony Vassallo has been tapped to lead natural resources, while Browne continues overseeing construction until Smart officially joins the team next year. Max Benz, who previously served as the global LoB head for the combined energy & construction business, will also transition to a senior role within the advisory services team at Allianz Risk Consulting.
Appointment marks Smart’s return to Allianz
Smart began his underwriting career with Allianz Cornhill (Allianz UK) before progressing to the role of assistant vice president at Trans Re. He joined Liberty Specialty Markets in 2007 as construction regional product line manager for EMEA and subsequently assumed his current position as global construction practice leader in 2016.
Browne commented on Smart’s return to Allianz, expressing enthusiasm for the knowledge and expertise that he will bring to the team.
“I am delighted to welcome Darren back to Allianz in this global role, leading construction for Allianz Commercial,” said Browne. “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.”
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