New and notable appointments at Mercer, Utmost International Ireland and Allianz Ireland

Mercer, a specialist in reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), has announced the appointment of Niall O’Sullivan as Global Solutions Chief Investment Officer.

Based in Dublin, O’Sullivan will be responsible for harnessing Mercer’s deep well of intellectual capital and investment capabilities to manage the implementation and execution of clients’ global investment strategies.

O’Sullivan has nearly 30 years’ experience managing global investment portfolios and programmes.  

Most recently, he served as Chief Investment Officer, Multi-Asset Strategies, EMEA, at Neuberger Berman, where he led the multi-asset team’s investment activity in the region.

Prior to Neuberger Berman, he worked at Mercer for over a decade, rising to the role of Chief Investment Officer of Mercer’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) business for Europe, Middle East and Asia.

“I am thrilled to rejoin Mercer in this global leadership role. Mercer’s holistic expertise across public and private market asset classes and strategies, coupled with our exceptional talent and diverse leadership, positions us well to deliver superior investment outcomes for our clients,” O’Sullivan said.

Utmost International is pleased to announce the appointment of Henry O’Sullivan as the new CEO of Utmost  International Ireland with effect from 1 April 2024. 

O’Sullivan has extensive leadership experience and knowledge of Utmost, having  previously held a variety of key positions across the Group. Henry will succeed Karl as CEO of Utmost International Ireland having been CFO of the business since 2018. His appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland. 

Paul Thompson, Utmost Group CEO, commented:  

“We are pleased to have appointed Henry to the CEO position. The internal appointment of this position highlights the strong calibre of our existing leadership across Utmost and I have no doubt that Henry’s experience will play an important role in the future success of Utmost. 

John Ryan, Chief Underwriting Officer
Allianz Ireland

Pictured: John Ryan, Chief Underwriting Officer, Allianz Ireland

Allianz Ireland, one of Ireland’s largest insurers, today announced the appointment of John Ryan as Chief Underwriting Officer. John will also join the Board of Management. Ryan’s appointment coincides with Helen Merry’s transition from Chief Underwriting Officer to Chief Operations Officer. He brings more than 15 years of industry experience to his new role.

Commenting on the announcement, Phillip Gronemeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Ireland said: “I am delighted to share the news that John Ryan has been appointed to Chief Underwriting Officer of Allianz Ireland. Allianz has a long history of delivering excellence for customers, of which John has played an integral role for the Irish business. I look forward to working with John in his new role.” 

As Chief Underwriting Officer, Ryan will be responsible for leading Allianz Ireland’s technical underwriting and pricing function. As part of this role, he will focus on an enhanced customer experience and driving business growth through a customer centric approach and implementing operational efficiencies.

Ryan joined Allianz Insurance in 2007 as an Actuarial Trainee, since then he has gone on to complete the Allianz Group Global Actuarial & Risk Development Programme. He has held a variety of roles including Pricing Manager and Head of Pricing. Prior to his appointment as Chief Underwriting Officer, he held the role of Head of Retail Underwriting.

He graduated from University College Dublin with a 1st class honours degree in Actuarial & Financial Studies in 2008 and became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland in 2012

On the news of his appointment, John Ryan said: “Since joining Allianz, I have been fortunate to work with a dynamic and talented team of industry leaders who continue to grow Allianz’s presence in Ireland. I am delighted to be able to lead the Underwriting & Pricing area of the Irish business and continuing to drive success for the organisation.”