Thomas’s leadership is defined by his ability to navigate complexity—simplifying structures, modernising systems, and driving performance in mature and emerging markets alike. Before becoming Group CEO, he was CEO of AXA Germany (2012-2015) and AXA Konzern AG (2012-2015), where he led a strategic realignment in a highly competitive and regulated market. He previously held executive roles at Zurich Insurance Group, including CEO of Zurich Switzerland (2008-2010), with responsibility for operational turnaround and customer innovation. He began his career at Boston Consulting Group in banking and insurance.

Thomas holds several influential non-executive roles. He sits on the Board of IBM, the global technology and consulting group listed on the S&P 100, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum. These roles reflect his broad strategic outlook and ongoing engagement in global conversations around digital infrastructure, corporate governance, and economic resilience.

Sustainability has formed a consistent thread in Thomas’s strategic agenda—whether through AXA’s early exit from coal-related investments, its leadership role in the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance, or the integration of ESG considerations into long-term capital deployment.

Thomas brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• Insurance & risk advisory – leading complex global portfolios and risk strategies across regulatory environments

• Digital & data transformation – driving innovation in customer experience, platform efficiency, and analytics

• Financial services strategy – executing international M&A and aligning capital, risk, and growth priorities

• Boardroom governance – contributing to strategic oversight and global business leadership across industries

Recognised for his strategic clarity and calm authority, Thomas continues to be an influential voice at the intersection of finance, policy and innovation. A dual Swiss-German national with academic credentials in economics and business management, he combines analytical depth with cross-cultural fluency—qualities that underpin his leadership across complex, high-stakes environments.