Allianz Trade Makes Trio of Key Hires to Northern Europe Regional Management

Allianz Trade, the world leader in trade credit insurance, today announces three key appointments to the board of management for the Northern Europe (NEUR) region. 

Benoit Semelin takes on the role of Regional CFAO, succeeding Sébastian Rageot who has become CEO for the Nordics at Allianz Trade. Sorina Eremia is Regional Credit Director, succeeding Matt Williams who has taken on the role of CEO for the UK & Ireland at Allianz Trade. Craig Ironside becomes Regional Commercial Director, succeeding Rodrigo Jimenez, who was named CEO of the Asia Pacific region at Allianz Trade. Benoit and Sorina began in their new roles on 1 July, while Craig began on 1 August 2025. 

Benoit Semelin becomes Regional Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) after 22 years at Allianz Trade. Benoit began his journey as Controlling Manager for Allianz Trade’s French entity in 2003, before taking on a series of CFO roles around the world – including for Allianz Trade’s World Agency in Paris, then in Turkey and, most recently, the Asia Pacific Region. Benoit will now be based in Brussels, where he will leverage his extensive financial expertise and leadership skills to support Allianz Trade’s growth throughout the region. 

Sorina Eremia brings two decades’ experience with Allianz Trade to the Regional Credit Director role. Based in Brussels, Sorina has been an integral part of the business since 2006. She has led underwriting teams across Central and Eastern Europe, the UK and Ireland and, most recently, Benelux as Director of Risk, Information, Claims & Collections. In her new role, Sorina is responsible for driving Allianz Trade’s credit segment strategy and success across Northern Europe.

Craig Ironside returns to the UK after an international career spanning over 25 years at Allianz Trade. Craig has held a range of commercial leadership roles at Allianz Trade since 1999, including leading commercial functions in the UK, at regional and global levels. He was most recently Group Head of Commercial Underwriting and Product Development, based in Paris. Returning to London, Craig will oversee growth of commercial functions across the NEUR region, supporting them to achieve strategic objectives.

Marine Bochot, Head of Northern Europe Region at Allianz Trade, said: “It’s a true reflection of the strength of talent we have throughout the Northern Europe region that three of our former Regional Management have gone on to CEO roles at Allianz Trade around the world. It’s an even stronger indictment of the talent Allianz Trade is home to that we can welcome all three successors from inside the business, who have each been with us for 20 years or more. We’ve equipped the regional management team with incredibly strong leaders in each business area.

“I congratulate and look forward to working with Benoit, Sorina and Craig, who will propel us forward in each of their respective fields as we expand our multi-line offer and prioritise top-tier service. At the same time, I sincerely thank and wish every success to Sébastien, Matt and Rodrigo as they take the next steps in their careers with Allianz Trade.”