AXA Germany Pioneers New Leadership Model: Combining HR, Data, and AI on the Executive Board
In a groundbreaking strategic move, AXA Deutschland is redefining executive leadership for the digital age. The insurer has announced that Johannes Dick will join its Board of Management on November 1, 2025, initially as the Chief People Experience Officer. In a significant expansion of the role, effective January 1, 2026, his portfolio will be renamed to "People and Data Experience." This makes AXA Germany the first country entity within the global AXA Group to consolidate the critical future topics of Human Resources (HR), Data Management, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) under a single executive leader.
This innovative structure is designed to tightly couple technological transformation with human capital strategy, recognizing that AI's full potential is only realized through the people who apply, steer, and continuously improve it.
The Strategic Vision: Why Merge HR and AI Leadership?
The creation of the "People and Data Experience" board role is a direct response to the transformative impact of AI on the insurance industry. AXA's leadership believes that successfully navigating this shift requires an integrated approach from the top.
Thilo Schumacher, CEO of AXA Deutschland, explained the rationale: "Our culture, our agile structures, and our employer attractiveness form the foundation on which we can now continue to build as AXA Germany. With this strong foundation, we can take the next steps and holistically integrate artificial intelligence into our company. The people in the company are crucial for this – their competence and their willingness to use AI meaningfully and value-creatingly. That's why we are bundling People Experience, data, and AI in one department."
This move addresses the essential "spagat" – or balancing act – between technological innovation and human creative competence. It ensures that workforce development, skills training, and change management are developed in lockstep with AI implementation strategies.
Profile of the New Leader: Johannes Dick
Johannes Dick is not an external hire but a seasoned AXA insider with a career perfectly aligned with this new, hybrid mandate. His extensive background includes:
- Over a Decade at AXA: Dick has held various roles within the company for more than ten years.
- Strategy & Innovation Background: He previously served as Head of the Strategy, Data, and Organization department and was instrumental in co-founding the AXA Innovation Campus and the Data Innovation Lab.
- Commercial & Operational Experience: Most recently, he led the commercial customer business in the Property & Casualty (Sachversicherung) division, giving him direct insight into core insurance operations and client needs.
His appointment signals that this role is not just about HR policy but about driving tangible business transformation. "People, data, and AI are fundamental to the future of our industry and our company," Dick stated. "Only in interaction can they reach their full potential. Artificial intelligence is changing our everyday lives and also the way we work. Together with the teams and in cooperation with the works councils, I want to ensure that we actively shape this development as AXA Germany and that each of us is prepared for it."
Implications for the Insurance Industry and Future of Work
AXA Germany's pioneering step sets a potential precedent for the entire insurance sector. As companies grapple with integrating generative AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics, the traditional separation between IT/Data and HR functions can create silos and slow adoption.
By unifying these domains at the board level, AXA aims to:
- Accelerate AI Adoption: Ensure AI tools are developed and deployed with direct input on workforce capabilities and change management needs.
- Future-Proof the Workforce: Proactively design reskilling and upskilling programs aligned with the company's technological roadmap.
- Enhance Employer Brand: Position AXA as an innovative employer that empowers its employees to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Drive Ethical & Effective AI Use: Embed human oversight and ethical considerations into the core of AI strategy from the outset.
For professionals in insurance careers, HR management, and InsurTech, this development highlights the evolving skill sets required for leadership. The future belongs to executives who can bridge the gap between human potential and technological possibility, a vision AXA is now formally embedding into its corporate governance.